THE COLONIAL POLICY OP GREAT BRITAIN, CONSIDERED WITH RELATION TO HER NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCES, AND Mtcst Jnfcta possessions ; WHEREIN THE DANGEROUS TENDENCY OF AMERICAN COMPETITION IS DEVELOPED, AND THE NECESSITY OF RECOMMENCING A COLONIAL SYSTEM ON A VIGOROUS AND EXTENSIVE SCALE, EXHIBITED AND DEFENDED; WITH PLANS FOR THE PROMOTION OF EMIGRATION , AND STRICTURES ON THE TREATY OF GHENT. BY A BRITISH TRAVELLER. LONDON: PRINTED FOR BALDWIN, CRADOCK AND JOY; AND ANDREW AND JOHN M. DUNCAN, GLASGOW. 1816. Printed at the Glasgow University Press. Andrew & James Duncan, -j Printers, Glasgow. J PREFACE. It has been sensibly remarked by one of our ablest modern writers on statistical affairs, that whoever has thoroughly investigated the commercial and colonial system, cannot fail to have noticed how the different branches of human activity are gradually and successively developed, each at its proper period. To illustrate this point, he adds, that when agri- culture and manufactures have arrived at a certain degree of perfection, the desire of foreign commerce is naturally awakened : that although the object of this propensity may be retarded or accelerated by adverse or favourable cir- cumstances, the persevering activity of mankind will soon- er or later accomplish it : that it will at length gain access to distant or unexplored regions, and succeed in its unre- mitted endeavours to connect all parts of the earth: that the produce of remote countries becomes a new spur to indus- try ; and industry so excited, explores and cultivates those lands; so that the productions of new regions operate to in- crease the activity, and to multiply the commercial relations of the old : that this gives new life even to the interior of the more civilized countries, and multiplies the objects of traffic : that industry produces riches, and riches reproduce IV industry ; and thus commerce at length becomes the foun- dation and the cement of the whole social edifice. * This is not determined by the presumption or caprice of man : it is founded in the nature of things, and is the effect of that irresistible impulse, by which every great and bene- ficial change, every important event in the political history of mankind, is produced. To this principle we must refer not only the origin, but the progress and extension of commerce ; and hence the system of colonization, with all its actual and possible ramifications and extent. Hence the independence of remote climates, not created nor cultivat- ed for us only, and the new sources of opulence to which Europe is invited by their freedom and independence* Hence, too, humanity will hereafter derive many invaluable blessings, will behold many a splendid era, if the free dis- play of this active principle be not checked by blind autho- rity, and if human ingenuity do not aspire to be wiser than Divine Providence. When the expansion of the human faculties, and the civil and social improvement of mankind, shall have attained the point towards which Europe has been gradually verging during the last three hundred years, all civilized nations must be impelled by the desire of establishing a permanent system of connexion with the remotest parts of the world. The love of luxury, and the thirst of knowledge, new wants, and new powers of industry, the dictates of reason, and the * Gentz’s State of Europe before and after the French Revolution. 1 allurements of passion, combine to give an impulse that is irresistible to this propensity. What was originally only a spirit of adventure, is gradually converted into systematic activity, and what at first was superfluity, becomes habitual, regular, and necessary. The productions of the most dis- tant regions become articles of daily necessity : the sea as well as the land is covered by the human species, and navi- gation, commerce, and colonization, are ranked with the more simple occupations of agriculture and domestic ma- nufacture. If then the possession of colonies upon these general prin- ciples be a matter of such high importance, as to identify their existence and prosperity with that of the parent state, it becomes still of much greater importance, when that pa- rent is circumscribed within narrow geographical limits, yet possessing a national greatness of the first and most im- posing order, founded Upon the union of the state with her foreign possessions. Such is the situation of Great Britain, and such the foundations of her national pre-eminence. Be- girt around by the waters of the ocean, her superior prow- ess upon this element, combined with an indefatigable spi- rit of perseverance, has given her the most valuable and ex- tensive dominion in each quarter of the globe. But however desirable even her Eastern possessions are, which attract so much attention by their dazzling splendour, no portion of her empire is of such vital importance as her North A- merican provinces; partly because they employ the greatest quantity of shipping, and also as being capable of supplying VI the mother country, and her other dependencies, with an abundance of the articles necessary for her wants and enjoy- ments. But the immense value of these colonies appears, not only from a review of their productions, their great and improv- able resources, their employment of our shipping, and their utility as a nursery for our sailors: the sentiments of other European nations respecting their importance, and the deep distress experienced by them when deprived of the articles of colonial produce; and, above all, the conduct of France, in the various efforts made to retain possession of her American dominions, most clearly evinces how highly she estimates their importance ; and though deprived of her Canadian ter- ritories, yet the anxious wish of again possessing some por- tion of the American continent, continues to rule in the breast of every French politician. This fact has been strikingly c- vineed in a pamphlet, written during the consulship of Buo- naparte, by M. Talleyrand, one of the most sagacious and profound statesmen which that or any other country ever possessed. The following extract, while it exhibits the beauty and fertility of the country in question, displays the strongest desire for the attainment of its object, at the same time that it develops the writer’s views of its importance, by his anxiety for the removal of every obstacle to its posses- sion. Nor docs it less clearly unfold the true value of the colonics to Cneat Britain, and the course of policy neces- sary for her adoption in regard to them. “ * Our nation * From the New Quarterly Review, vii (says M. Talleyrand, referring to Louisiana) had the vain honour of conferring a name on a portion of the globe, not exceeded by any other portion of it, in all the advan- tages of the climate and soil. Before the war of 1757, it was an immense valley, watered by a deep and beneficent river. This river first acquires importance in the lati- tude of 45, north. It flows in a devious course about two thousand miles, and enters the bay of Mexico, by many mouths, in latitude 29. In these latitudes is com- prised the temperate zone, which has been deemed most favourable to the perfection of the animal and vegetable na- ture. This advantage is not marred by the chilling and ste - vilifying influence of lofty mountains, the pestilential fumes of intractable bogs, or the dreary uniformity of sandy plains. Throughout the whole extent, there is not, probably, a snow-capt hill, a moving sand, or a volcanic eminence. “ This valley is of different breadths. The ridge which bounds it on the east, is in some places nearly a thousand miles from the great middle stream. From this ridge, se- condary rivers, of great extent and magnificence, flow to- wards the centre, and the intermediate regions are an un- cultivated Paradise. On the west, the valley is of similar dimensions, the streams are equally large and useful, and the condition of the surface equally delightful. “ We must first observe, that, in gaining possession of this territory, we shall not enter on a desert, where the fo- rest must be first removed before a shelter can be built ; whither we must carry the corn and the clothes necessary to present subsistence ; and the seed, the tools, and the cat- tle, which are requisite to raise a future provision. “ There cannot, in the first place, be imagined a district more favourable to settlement. In addition to a genial climate and soil, there are the utmost facilities of communication and commerce. The whole district is the sloping side of a valley, through which run deep and navigable rivers, which begin their course in the remotest borders, and which all terminate in the central stream. This stream, one of the longest and widest in the world, is remarkably distinguish- ed by its depth, and freedom from natural impediments. It flows into a gulf which contains a great number of popu- lous islands. Among these islands are numerous passages into the ocean, which washes the shores of Europe. Thus, not only every part of the district is easily accessible by means of rivers, but the same channels are ready to convey the products of every quarter to the markets most conti- guous and remote. “ The Nile flows in a torrid climate through a long and narrow valley. The fertility which its annual inundations produce, extends only two or three leagues on either side of it. The benefits of this fertility are marred by the neigh- bourhood of scorching sands, over which the gales carry intolerable heat and incurable pestilence, and which harbour a race of savages, whose trade is war and pillage. Does this river bestow riches worthy of the greatest efforts of the IX nation to gain them, and shall the greater Nile of the west- ern hemisphere be neglected ? A Nile, whose inundations diffuse the fertility of Egypt twenty leagues from its shores, which occupies a valley wider than from the Duna to the Rhine, which flow’s among the most beautiful dales, and un- der the benignest seasons, and which is skirted by a civi- lized and kindred nation on one side, and on the other by extensive regions, over which/ the tide of growing popula- tion may spread itself without hindrance or danger, « But of what avail will be all these advantages, unless a market be provided for the produce of the soil ? Now* this market is already provided. For all that it can produce, France alone will supply thirty millions of consumers. The choicest luxuries of Europe are coffee, sugar, and tobacco. The most useful materials of clothing arc cotton and silk. All these are either natives of the Mississippi valley, or remark- ably congenial to it. The cultivation of these, and the car- riage to market, are as obvious and easy as the most ardent politician can desire. The whole extent of the river will be our ow r n, and in the low’er and most fertile portion of its course, the banks on both sides will be our indisputable property. “ The friend of the health, longevity, and useful pleasure of the human species, and of the opulence ot Franco, could not devise a better scheme than one which should enable every inhabitant of Europe to consume half-a-pound of sugar a* day, and assign to Frenchmen the growth, the carriage, b X and the distribution of thus much. * Now this scheme is no other than the possession of the American Nile. But this end may be too magnificent to be deemed credible. Let us, then, confine ourselves to the consumption of France ; for this alone will be adequate to the employment, and condu- cive to the wealth, of a vast number of cultivators. €€ A much less beneficial luxury is coffee, but this our habits have equally endeared to us. We have hitherto drawn it from the same fountain which has supplied us with sugar : the trade in it must follow the same destiny ; the same bene- fits will flow from increasing the supply, and from drawing the supply from the valley of the Mississippi. ot sufficiently strong on the land side to have resisted a bom- bardment from a convenient unguarded point of land, the other for- CHAP. VII. ON THE RESPECTIVE NATURES OF THE BRITISH AND AMERICAN POPULATION. To unfold the causes which have contributed to raise America to her present height, it will be ne- cessary to trace the origin of property, and con- sider the circumstances under which the inhabi- tants of all countries exist That the earth, in its unimproved state, is the common property of uncivilized man, is a fact which few have been disposed to deny: but when men more enlightened and industrious, are induced to cultivate the ground, they in a mea- sure create it anew, and possess a right to the la- bour of their hands; and as the numbers of these increase, that which before appeared a dreary wilderness, becomes a fruitful country, replete with comforts. Thus by degrees the whole ter- tifications were then out of repair; the whole of which were recon- noitred by the author from the harbour. 36 ritory is occupied by the active and industrious, while the idle and improvident, no longer able to support themselves by their former means, and in danger of perishing for want, are roused to ac- tion ; betake themselves to arts, rude at first, but constantly improving, until the productions of the soil are at length explored, and human ingenuity exerted to discover the uses ta which these pro- ductions may be advantageously applied. Staples are established, and manufactures give employment to those who possess no land, while others, more attached to rural life, continue in the country as labourers for hire. This state of things is fluctuating perpetually: superior industry, skill, or various circumstances combined, elevate many; want of application and talents reduce others, purchases and sales of land divide properties, or unite many in one mass. 1 bus great estates are formed, and the splendour of a landed interest established; com- mexce at length transports superfluous produc- tions to foreign parts, and imports from thence the necessaries or the luxuries of life. Thus employment is given to the whole community; but it dispenses its blessings by very unequal de- 37 grees: some are enriched, others impoverished; but the number of the latter will always greatly J exceed that of the former. — Hence it will come ; to pass in process of time, that while arts and ■t trade flourish, and agriculture is generally diffus- ed, multitudes of poor will be found wholly de- pendent on labour, even in the best regulated l} country; and as these are prone to discontent, 8 the superior condition of their rich neighbours * will cause them to repine, producing a disposi- rs tion to emigrate in order to better their condi- t tion. Such is the present state of Great Britain: the country is cultivated, improved, decorated; her staple commodities are well employed as v sources of wealth, her trade and manufactures t flourish; yet her proportion of poor is very large, whose necessities even her immense wealth, flow- ing so copiously through innumerable channels, can scarcely supply. Frequent wars have loaded i her with taxes, and increased the poverty of . some ; while others, by their means, have been raised to high dignities and great wealth. It must, however, be confessed, that the condition of the poor has not improved in the same propor- tion as that of the rich ; yet these differences arise from causes inherent and direct, not from 38 combinations of the rich to oppress the poor, as some imagine, and as the Americans attempt to prove. From this state of things arise effects equally beneficial and injurious. The number of poor diminishes the price of labour, and thereby benefits the mercantile and manufacturing inte- rests ; and the numbers whom a small bounty will induce to enlist, give facilities for warlike opera- tions, without which they could not be carried on. But, in opposition to this, paupers and depredators increase, and the poor are compelled to emigrate to those countries where greater advantages are expected to be obtained. Iso people know the origin of property better than the Americans ; none have it so immediately before their eyes. Not only have they hewed it from their forests, but they have expelled thence the native proprietors. And if the white Ameri- cans claim absolute right to lands obtained from the Aborigines by treaty, or force of arms ; if the richer Americans amass property, to the exclusion of the poor with what countenance can they accuse the opulent in Britain of tyranny and op- pression, merely because they apply their property agreeably to the dictates of their own minds ? If the poor in this country are debarred the posses- sion of latld, the wants of the rich furnish them with employment. But certainly when the num- bers overflow, care should be taken to remove the willing superfluity, by the colonization of foreign possessions, where they may take root and flourish, and eventually prove of the greatest utility to the parent country. For want of due attention' to this point, great numbers of British subjects, disaf- fected to the government, or borne down by ad- verse circumstances, have sought the shores of independent America. The long continuance of a state of war in Europe, has greatly contributed to swell the lists of emigrants, who, carrying with them their arts and collective experience, have increased both the numerical force and the po- litical importance of the American states, be- yond all precedent. To this have been added the advantages of neutral commerce, when all Europe were engaged in war ; the connivance of the Bri- tish to an illicit intercourse with their colonies ; and the increased demand for American flour ; — a fortunate concurrence of events, which have so contributed to their greatness, since their disunion with the British empire, that it is not surprising 40 that the people should be elated, and draw compa- risons to the disadvantage of other nations. In this prosperous career the Americans might have proceeded without interruption, had they not perverted the neutral flag, by conduct highly ini- mical to the British interests, and at the same time given encouragement to the desertion of British seamen ; which terminating in an unprofitable war, it is hoped may direct this nation to pursue its true interests. It is to be expected that, in future, government will persevere in the wise measures it has now a- dopted, for directing emigration to their Ameri- can provinces, as it has given decisive proofs of energy and prudence in its late enactments rela- tive to the number of passengers in outward-bound vessels, and the restrictions on the importation of grain. 41 CHAP. VIII. ON COLONIES IN GENERAL. The progress of man towards a state of civili- zation, and the benefits of society, seems to have been more rapid in the earliest ages, than at later periods. We learn from the sacred narrative re- specting the confusion of languages, the immense multitudes that were bound together by one com- mon language} and when circumstances occa- sioned their dispersion, the rapid progress of in- fant settlements. It would appear that Asia, the primitive seat of man, was peculiarly suited to the colonization of the emigrant tribes of the human species, in not being so entirely covered with wood" as Europe or America in after times. We may possi- bly reject as fabulous, the accounts which historians have given us, of an army of a million of men under Semiramis, which traversed from Chaldea to India; but the history of the Patriarchs, who followed the pastoral life, and who could wander from Chaldea o to Egypt, and from Egypt back to Palestine, find- ing pasturage for immense flocks of cattle and herds of various kinds, abundantly shows that na- ture had left the country comparatively clear of wood, and that they were not often under the necessity of spending their time in cutting down immense forests, or even bestowing much labour in cultivating the ground, to procure the means of subsistence for man and beast. It is however cer- tain, that the continent of Asia was very thickly inhabited, and that at length it poured its super- fluous population, in copious colonies, throughout Europe and Africa. Colonies, then, owe their origin to this simple circumstance, namely, a desire to wander in quest of superior advantages in a foreign land. In Eu- rope and Asia, it is reasonable to suppose the ad- venturers met with the same obstacles which now present themselves to the American colonist: their progress, in the formation of societies, was neither so rapid nor so extensive as their progeni- tors. Entering on a forest, the work of clearing and cultivation was performed but slowly, and under the greatest difficulties : they were obliged to confine themselves to a small district, while the 43 adjacent country continued a solitary wilderness, but into which the more idle part of the commu- nity resorting, found subsistence on the wild fowl with which the woods abounded, and in process of time became savages like those of America. The same causes which first led to emigration continuing to operate, fresh bands continued to issue from the parent country, who were either received as friends, and, joining themselves to their predecessors, united in the same system, en- larging the bounds of cultivation ; or else, attacked and subdued the defenceless colonists, investing themselves with the labours of the vanquished, whom they compelled to cultivate the soil as slaves. But whenever the original possessors were sufficiently strong, and united to defend them- selves, they removed to still more distant parts, forming distinct settlements; and history records the foundations of mighty empires, laid in colonies arising from this hostile source. The Romans first established colonies systemati- cally in aid of their grand plan of empire. These differed not only in their tendency and organiza- tion, from all that had preceded them, but also materially from each other. All former colonies 44 having been led by some adventurous chief, inde- pendent of the nations from whence they issued, or gradually grew from the fortuitous amalgamation of a multitude, brought together without plan or leader j while, on the contrary, it was the Roman policy to plant colonies for the purpose of keep- ing conquered countries in subjection, and as a reward to those citizens who had promoted the public good. * These colonies were either muni- cipal, or military ; the former for the general pur- poses of agriculture and trade, the latter merely as garrisons : in no instance, however, did a Ro- man senate devise a colonial system on the mo- dern principle of monopoly and exclusion. From the decline of the Roman empire, colo- nies have arisen partly from war, and partly from the desire of nations and individuals to improve their condition, till the discovery of America, and the passage to the East Indies by the Cape of Good Hope, produced an entirely new system — the object of which is, equally to benefit the infant colony, and enrich the parent state, by mutual dependence, and a participation of reciprocal be- * In this, Britain should imitate the Romans. 45 nefits: the colony depending on its parent for protection, while, in return, it transmitted to her alone its staple exports. This system indeed was not perfected, nor its advantages fully appreciat- ed, till, by the rapid progress of some individuals, and the failure of others, governments were in- duced, not barely to concur in the establishment, but to lend their aid in promoting and extending their colonies. The effects were soon apparent, by the rapid increase of those states in wealth and naval power. Britain and France long rivalled each other in their colonial career. The latter, at length, yielded to the fortunes of the former, whose sway, in ter- ritorial influence, was now ample, and her power and riches great and increasing. The seeds of discord, however, were sown in some of the colonies from their first establishment. These, and the hatred borne to the mother coun- try, by convicts, whom she had transported to America, were never eradicated. A few men of speculative minds, of restless tempers, and great ambition, profited by this latent hostility, to mag- nify a trifling incident into a dangerous conspi- 46 racy of the mother country, for destroying the liberties of the colonies ! No means were spared to inflame the minds of the people, and unhappily the British government adopted measures of co- ercion, when a timely concession of the point would probably have proved a lasting bond of union between the colonies and parent state, and have also disappointed the ambitious projects of revolutionary leaders. Had America continued a British province, she would have derived advan- tages in that state, vastly superior to any she now possesses in her independent form. That her com- merce would have increased in a superior degree, may be proved by a simple reference to Halifax, St. John’s, and Quebec.* It would have kept pace with that of the mother country, whose power would have proportionally increased, and reflected an abundant share of prosperity on the colonies ; t with the advantage of British capital, * The exports and imports of Quebec alone, in the year 1808, were as follows: — Exports, .... £1,156,060 Imports, - 610,000 Balance in favour of the colony, - £546,060 t If the United States were still part of the British empire, France would have no chance in contending against us. 47 k to extend their manufactures, and clear their i lands, although it is well known that a very con- 'f siderable proportion of their merchants now trade » from the same stock in a covert way. at of If these positions be admitted, then it follows id that if they were yet united to us, we should en- oi joy, in an increasing ratio, the benefits of their li trade and additional strength. If, on the con- n. trary, it be asserted, that the United States have >t been gainers by the change; that they have in- t. creased in power and wealth, more than they if, would have done as colonies, however false these i, assertions ; yet, if it be simply true, that they are Dt now in a state to rival this country, and threaten ie its overthrow, then should our government consi- der American affairs as deserving its most seri- K ous attention, and adopt a corresponding system l of colonization, blending the policy of the an- cient Romans with that of modern nations ; con- verting her colonies into the means of increasing both her strength and her opulence. In the next chapter, we shall attempt to prove that the mea- sure pregnant with these benefits, would not be attended with danger. CHAP. IX. ON THE SECURITY OF THE BRITISH AMERICAN COLONIES. The British provinces in North America have the strongest inducement to continue loyal, that can operate on the human mind. Interest, that powerful impetus to society, which frequently re- pi esses and destroys the feelings of consanguinity, rivets those provinces to the mother country. By continuing loyal, they have every thing to gain; by joining the independent federation of the neighbouring states, they have every thing to lose : by their connexion with us, they acquire im- portance and wealth ; by seceding, they would soon sink into their original insignificance. Their geographical position and climate, the circumstance of the river St. Lawrence being shut up by the ice during several months in each year, would reduce the Canadas, if they join- ed the union, to the situation of the lowest states ; 49 while, equally with their own, the New Bruns- wick and Nova Scotia lumber trade would be ruined by the competition of the New England states. Instead of enjoying, as they now do, an increasing trade in these articles with Britain and her dependencies, even this diminished trade, would be obnoxious to frequent interruption , in time of war with England ; who, by blockading ft one river , could effectually destroy the commerce 11 of these extensive countries. Their fisheries « would also suffer in a still greater proportion : even » now they have felt the weight of rivalship, and in t, a great measure yielded to the activity and enter- fj, prise of the republicans, who possessing superior li facilities, have borne away the principal share of a this valuable branch of commerce : nor can it be U doubted, in the event of their union with the n states, that this competition, with all its disadvan- tages, would be increased: on the other hand, if this country properly consult her own safety and interest, they will have the glorious prospect of a monopoly, fraught with the greatest benefits.— We may add to these the evils of separation be- fore alluded to, the growing taxes, and the exclu- sion from some important branches of commerce, which independent America now experiences, H and which, while they diminish her advantages, will, in the same ratio, promote the interests of the British colonies. Can it then be supposed, that men thus situat- ed, will voluntarily separate from a country, from whom they derive these solid advantages ? The thing is highly improbable; nor can the ex- ample of the United States be fairly adduced, since, as was before observed, the seeds of revolu- tion were early sown there. On the contrary, the British provinces of Upper Canada, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick, were peopled almost exclu- sively by American loyalists, who have preserv- ed, unimpaired, that attachment to this country which caused their expatriation. The settlers who have since joined them, have, with the for- mer, enjoyed the fostering care of government, and a popular constitution, with all the advanta- ges before enumerated; while the French inhabi- tants of Lower Canada, being those only whose good disposition might be at all questioned, have evinced on every occasion the contrary feelings of loyalty and patriotism: and whatever predi- lections they might entertain for France, it is cer- tain they would most decidedly oppose the Unit- ed States: in short, the general good disposition and conduct of the provinces, during the late war, stands eminently conspicuous, and merits a suitable reward. Though this country, since the fatal American secession, has made but few attempts to extend her colonies, yet the bond of union between her and the loyal provinces has been drawn much closer, in consequence of the existence of an in- dependent rival in their neighbourhood; while experience has shown the inability of the United States to conquer Canada, even in its present state: although one argument urged in Congress on behalf of a declaration of war, was the ease and certainty with which the provinces would be conquered. It was even represented that the provincials would not resist, but meet their invad- ers, and recognise in them deliverers from tyran- ny and oppression; or that if, contrary to expecta- tion, they did resist, they might, when conquered,* * So confident were the Americans of success, that General Dearbome had actually prepared a triumphal coat, richly decorated with oak leaves, as the victor’s mead, which was destined to be worn on entering Quebec. The popular toast was, “ may the army eat its Christmas dinner in Quebec.” 52 be retained as a pledge, to secure more favoura- ble terms of peace. Britain, it was said, 4 4 would make any sacrifice rather than leave valuable co- lonies in the enemy’s hands,” while, among the many curious speculations that were made of the importance of these provinces to the United States, it was estimated that the coal alone of Cape Breton and Nova Scotia would repay the expenses ot a seven years # war: yet with all these inducements and exertions, their aims have been frustrated, and Canada has triumphed over all the hostile attacks of the United States of America. * Unwise reservations to the crown of all mines, &c. essentially injure the colonies. The Cape Breton coal is fanned by a company, who make shameful use of their monopoly, to keep coals dear at Halifax. While there have been numerous grains of pure gold found in Nova Scotia; and it is presumed there are veins of that metal in the province. Chrystal is found in the basin of mines at Cape Blowmedown and the Asbestos in considerable quantities: the inhabitants having no encouragement to use their internal re- sources. CHAP. X. ON THE INHERENT WEAKNESS OF THE UNITED STATES. A country is strong in proportion to its means of defence, and weak in proportion to the exten- sion of its frontier and the thinness of its popula- tion. Hence islands are strong as surrounded by the sea, and invincible when employing a su- periority of naval force. America, possessing a sea frontier of great ex- tent, and large navigable rivers, enjoys the means of building ships in safety, far inland, and of sending them to sea. Those, when once off the coast, can range the ocean with impunity; while their return is facilitated by the innumerable har- bours which present themselves, especially to the eastward. On this coast, fogs and variable winds prevail, rendering it difficult to watch or 5 4 blockade the creeks and commodious inlets with which it abounds. But these circumstances ren- der it impossible for the Americans to guard a- gainst predatory incursions. Floating armies, confining their operations to descents on the coast, and hovering about, could perpetually harass them by marches and countermarches, while their real point of attack might be effec- tually concealed. The safety of their seaports, during the late war, is rather owing to British for- bearance than to the strength of their fortifica- tions: even New York is not impregnable, though protected by Castle Williams. As it is of great importance to the British go- vernment always to be fully and accurately in- formed concerning the military positions of the United States, it may be fairly presumed that due attention will always be paid to this point: it would enable invaders frequently to turn a post that was too strong for direct attack. For in- stance, with the requisite information, in an at- tack on Boston, cavalry might be landed near Sciluate, who, by a quick movement, could sur- prise and possess themselves of Dorchester heights, while a feint was made in front of the 55 harbour ; and the heights once taken, the town would not be tenable, and must capitulate with- out much bloodshed. The French government were very assiduous in the collection of information relative to Ame- rica : the change, the parade, the public works, were all infested by French emissaries, *who contin- ually transmitted the most accurate intelligence to their employers ; and as Buonaparte had cer- tainly the conquest of that country in view, if opportunities had been afforded for making the attempt, his operations would soon have prov- ed, that he knew the geography of the country well. The great extent of the United States inland frontier, renders it extremely vulnerable, while their principal rivers rise but a short distance from our own, and would greatly facilitate the advance of an army into the interior. Such be- ing our rival’s situation, it becomes an imperious duty incumbent on us to strengthen the opposing frontier, and to be ready to act on the offensive, if occasion required, which would operate as a di- version to draw the militia from the coast. And 56 if the British forces under Generals Amherst, Wolfe, and Prideaux, could commence operations at three distant points, and succeed in forming a junction at Montreal, it would not be difficult to march from Canada on New York, in co-operation with a sufficient force from the Atlantic ; especi- ally as the country near Lake Champlain, which in General Wolfe’s time was a dreary wilderness, now presents flourishing settlements and improv- ed roads. The same improvements are also ob- servable on the Mohawk, Connecticut, Susque- hana, Illinois, and Kennebec rivers. Thus holding Canada, and preserving it in a proper military condition, no state in the Union could be secure from an irruption from thence into its very interior, if occasion required ; while her own inherent strength may be appreciated by calling to mind, that, previous to 1758, with a slen- der population, she held in check, for a consider- able period, and frequently beat the whole British army, though greatly superior in numbers and equipment. If Canada, when an infant settlement, displayed such an imposing posture, what may not be ex- pected from her in future ? In the late contest 57 the resistance she made, proved that her frontier 1 is worthy the most serious attention of the parent a country; and when duly re-enforced, will prove an impregnable barrier to American encioach- ment, as well as a key at all times to the hostile states. This subject is deserving the more re- spect, from the consideration that the Americans have avowed their determination to possess Ca- nada, and never to lose sight of that object ; and >k this especially, as the peace recently concluded w cannot be regarded as very sincere. The unex- pected changes that have lately occurred in Eu- rope, may possibly contribute to encourage Ame- i! rica again to commence hostilities. * ioi ic It is to be regretted, that a change in the fron- i tier line of the provinces, has not been insisted on k in the treaty of Ghent. But as the author consi- ders that subject of vast importance, he reseives his opinions upon it for another chapter. In the mean h time, however, the British public ought to be in- formed, that American ambition aims not only at the reduction of Canada, but also at the extiipa- tion of the Indians, which will be much facilitated * Written before the battle of Waterloo. & f I 58 by their knowledge of the frontier, giving them a decided advantage in their negotiations with us. Hence those extensive regions lying to the west- ward of Lakes Michigan and Superior, have been marked out as the seat of future states, under the title of Indiana! Thus from the Lake of the Woods, to the Falls of St. Anthony, and thence to Lake Erie, hostile settlements are forming on the borders of Upper Canada; and that, no doubt, with an ultimate view to its entire reduction. The circumstance of the existence of these colo- nies, should rouse the attention of this govern- ment : their inhabitants at present are thinly scat- tered, and it is not likely that a great population will gather around them, if Britain do but colo- nise her own provinces. Forty thousand emi- grants disposed along the frontier, from Kingston to Lake Superior, and the same number settled in other parts of Canada, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick, would be amply sufficient for all the purposes of agriculture and defence. Until that number be completed, this nation should not be satisfied, nor consider her provinces to be secure. 4 59 CHAP. XL ON THE INDIAN ALLIES. It is now a fact well understood, that the friendship of the Indians to this country, when en- gaged in an American war, is of the most decid- ed advantage. Hence it has been the policy of our commanders in Canada, to conciliate their esteem. In this Sir William Johnson and Gene- ral Brock were eminent examples, and the death of the latter was peculiarly disastrous, as he knew so well how to manage their capricious tempers. The bravery and good conduct of these poor al- lies, their attachment to this country, and to its Sovereign, whom they style “ their Great Fa - ther,” merits both our applause and gratitude; * * The fate of the brave chief Tecumseth, claims the tear of sym- pathy. After the most signal displays of heroic courage, he fell, and was found by the Americans, who, after flaying the body, stuffed the skin with straw, and displayed it as a trophy !— If this instance of and though in war they are cruel and revengeful, yet in peace they are just in their dealings, punc- tual in the obsei-vance of promises, of strict vera- city, and scrupulously honest ; deserving the ut- most care in their instruction and civilization, yet suffering more by our bad example than they gain by our intercourse. It now appears beyond the possibility of con- tradiction, that American policy is directed to- wards the total extermination of the Indians. Our policy, on the contrary, should be to collect and concentrate their scattei'ed tribes, attaching them to our interests, by blending them, if possible, with our own people, by means of intermarriages : and the author entertains the pleasing opinion, that complete success in the attainment of this object may soon be expected, provided sufficient attention is paid to their true interests. • Partial attempts to improve the condition of barbarism be not sufficient to appal the admirers of republican Ame- rica, it might be further observed, that about the same time, some advantages having been obtained over the western Indians, the nation was compelled to deliver up their chief, whom the victors condemned to be burnt alive ! ! 61 the Indians have been made, both by the British and American governments, notwithstanding the prevailing sanguinary views of the latter, while societies and individuals have prosecuted with i, ardour the same benevolent design. The Quakers of Pennsylvania, in particular, have distinguished themselves, by their endeavours to introduce among these indolent and degraded beings, agri- u culture and habits of industry, and that with :o considerable success. Their plan was, in the first k instance, to conciliate and assure the Indians that ni they were only actuated with a view to their be- et nefit ; then to point out the importance and great tit advantage of these pursuits ; and when they were g sufficiently disposed to commence the labour, they j, furnished them with seeds, tools, and instructors. Iii The benevolent intentions of the British gov- ernment towards the Indians have been various- ly exhibited, such as in the establishment of schools for their education j but these institu- tions, emanating from philanthropy, indicate ab- solute ignorance of the real character of those they are designed to benefit It is better to tame them to the axe and plough, than disgust them with learning. The author has seen many, who 62 could converse and write, both in French and English, yet had not lost their native laziness, or savage habits. In vain may the government e- rect, and liberally endow such institutions, or use any other means to attain this desirable object, unless the execution of their intentions be con- fined to proper men. The intendants of Indian affairs may be enriching themselves from the pre- sents which annually pass through their hands, and which are designed to conciliate the natives, while the designs of government are frustrated, and the poor Indians remain more depraved than befoie. Can British authority be better exerted than in detecting and punishing such offenders ? Intermarriages between the Indians and the Canadians, is a subject that should occupy the at- tention of the British government. A small bounty given to the parties, would overcome in- numerable objections that might otherwise arise. A premium of one thousand acres should be giv- en to any man who married a Squaw, and had two children by her, subject to this condition, that it should revert to the crown, if at any time he abandoned his wife. A like premium should be given to a woman who married an Indian, 63 and by her influence led him into habits of indus- try. In this case, the man should be regarded as a minor, while the estate should be secured to the woman. A premium of one thousand pounds should be given to any philanthropist, who, by his persuasions, without the aid of liquor, prevailed on not less than fifty Indians, to form a settle- ment, clear the land, cultivate it, and pursue a course of industry for ten successive years, the men labouring equally with the women; the tools &c. furnished by government, and the produce of the farms being solely appropriated to the benefit of the Indians. Various other regulations might be made, with abundant profit to the country. Gentle means must be used, and pains taken to eradicate that contempt for labouring men, and the notion of superior case and dignity, which the meanest In- dian entertains. The author once knew a whole tribe of the Buck, or Arrowkwas Indians, on the river Coran- tain, in Berbice, so far aroused, by artful address, from their native indolence, as to commence, and perfect the clearance of an estate of two thousand i 64 acres. This is not a fair example of the utility of the measures proposed, as the temptation of rum was employed, and when the contract was completed, they returned to their old habits of savage life. * It should be a point of considerable moment with the Governors of Canada, to make such ar- rangements as may induce the Indians to build their villages more remote from the frontier; in order that, should hostilities recommence, the enemy may not obtain possession of the Squaws, and Papooses, (that is, the women and children) as hostages for the conduct of the men ; a policy successfully employed during the late war, and which reluctantly compelled the Indians, in some instances, to take up arms against us. — Another consideration of importance is, that vigilance be exercised to prevent emissaries from the United States seducing the affection of these Indian al- lies, who, in consequence of their extreme credu- lity, may be easily imposed on ; and as nothing * Perhaps this was the cheapest clearance ever made ; the whole double lot of two thousand acres, cost only a puncheon of rum, call- ed kill devil, which sells for about Is. 6d. a gallon, and two pieces of blue lalampores. 65 St is more odious to an Indian than the imputation a of cowardice, no doubt exists in the mind of the Hi author, but the circumstances of the late peace d will be so falsely coloured in American attempts of this nature, that unless much care is used to enlighten their minds, and prove the contrary, tut the unsuspecting Indians may suppose us such as i represented, and for ever abandon our alliance, ui i tl n CHAP. XII. ei Jit jj. ON THE FISHERIES. in tin A nation possessing natural resources, should jj. never permit them to be employed by foreigners against herself. They may indeed, from courtesy, be permitted to participate in the benefits; but when this permission is so used, as either to be- come injurious to the proprietors, or when the admitted party claims the privilege as a right, and proceeds to enforce the claim, effectual mea- sures must be employed to repress the intiuders. K To the disgrace of past times, the Dutch fisher- men were not only permitted to take fish on the coast of England, but actually to bring it to the London market; while this lucrative concern annually drew immense sums over into Holland, impoverishing this country, injuring our fisheries, and destructive to the supplies of seamen, whose nursery was thus transferred to foreigners. Similar in kind, but far more injurious in its effects, was the policy which gave permission to the Americans to take cod on the banks of New- foundland, Sable, &c. There the British main- tain large establishments for curing and ware- housing the fish, and support several thousand persons employed in the fishery. According to existing regulations, the fish must be cured and dried on shore, where it undergoes a minute in- spection, by persons properly qualified, who di- vide it into classes, which are distinguished as Merchantable, Madeira, and West India fish ; the former being the superior, the latter of inferior quality, while the refuse is not permitted to be sent out of the country, being destined either to feed dogs that draw the sledges, or per i sh with the entrails of the fish, which are not suffered to be drawn until its arrival on the shore. These wise regulations are intended to pre- serve the reputation of the goods in foreign mar- kets, and up the Straits, where fish of the first quality is chiefly purchased ; and they, at the same time, operate to preserve uninjured the fish- ery itself, as the cod desert those parts that are contaminated by offal. Unrestrained in the mode of curing their fish, and regardless of reputation, the Americans a- dopted a cheaper and more expeditious method. Neglecting the trade in Merchantable fish, they aimed principally at supplying our West India colonies : instead of losing time to cull and dry their goods on shore, which would have employ- ed additional boats and hands, they salted their fish down on board their vessels as soon as caught and to the excessive injury of the fishery, threw the guts, &c. into the sea, and either did not dry their goods at all, or very imperfectly, on the deck and rigging, during their passage. On their arrival, it was usual to make the best bargain they could, lumping their whole cargo together, 68 according to its apparent quality. The merchant afterwards separated the good from the bad, re- serving the former for the whites, the latter for the negroes, who are most gratified by decayed fish, of sti'ong rancid smell ; it being usual, in the same cargo, to find every variation, from abso- lute putrescence, to that of the middling quality. By these means, after returning to the coast of Newfoundland, with a cargo of rum, sugar, or molasses, smuggled on board , and bartering their goods at Burin, the bay of Bulls, &c. they would take in a second cargo , either of prime fish for Eu- rope, or West India fish, with which they would take a second trip, and sell at an advanced price, and that even before our regular traders were prepar- ed to make one voyage ; and when these at length arrived, the market was frequently found glutted with the American cargoes! Under these circum- stances they were obliged to sell their goods at inferior prices, sometimes even below the prime cost of labour. # * The demand for fish in our West Indian settlements, upon an average of three years, ending 1807, was 456,221 cwt. 97,486 of which was furnished by the mother country, leaving 358,735 cwt. wh.ch should have been supplied from our own American fisheries. But, strange and unaccountable as it may appear, although our own 69 But these evils, though great to individual mer- !> chants, are not to be compared with those which arise to the nation generally. The Americans chiefly employ in this trade old and crazy vessels, K in general the joint property of master and crew, who share the profits as in privateers; which sti- mulates individual exertion, both in the taking and curing of the fish, as well as under the pecu- liar fatigues and hardships of the voyage; the o state of the vessel obliging them mostly to work let the pumps during the whole passage. This made ul: them good sailors, expert in resources, and better E: suited than landsmen to class as ordinaries and ut wasters, on board ships of war. If the Americans ce are indebted to their more regular commerce, and ir large vessels, for able seamen , they derived the ordinary, which constitute the more numerous g classes, from this trade; and the privateers in the a late war derived from hence their main strength ; men of proper habits, who could endure almost any privation, or encounter any danger. fisheries produced 817,351 cwt. yet the British government en- couraged the Americans to supply 188,125 cwt. of this 358,735 ; whilst, by their impolitic measures, they so cramped this valuable branch of the trade of our American colonies, that only 170,610 was supplied from our own fisheries in that quarter ; which were kept cb in a discouraged state, though susceptible of the greatest improve- % ment. The permission of this trade certainly answer, ed the purposes of the West India planters and merchants, who welcomed the Americans as most valuable friends ; but it so depressed our rising colonies, that they hardly dared to enter into any competition, till the late war put an end to the rivalship. Then they .began to partake of the be- nefits which nature and local situation had assign- ed to them ; and considerable extensions of the fisheries were made by the British provincial mer- chants. It appears now that nothing is wanting to enable Britain to furnish the West Indies on better terms than her competitors, but an acces- sion of manual strength to Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Cape Breton, and Prince Edward’s Island ; these provinces being sufficiently fertile to support an increased population, while the old establishments in Newfoundland would be highly benefited by the transfer of the trade from the Ameiicans to the provincials. Considering the sterility of the soil, and inhospitality of the cli- mate, it will never be expedient to cultivate New- foundland : it must continue a mere fishing esta- blishment, dependent on foreign supplies. But this cannot with propriety be said of the provinces pieviouslj alluded to, who, if they have in any 71 i measure been dependent on importation, it is be- d cause the towns have possessed the major part of it the emigrants who came into the country, leaving i» the farmer almost destitute of labourers, to supply, y by extended cultivation, the increased demand, it Newfoundland should confine itself exclusively to !• the preparation of the fish ,for purchasers; leav- u. ing to the provincials the carrying of their goods lit to the West Indies, and to the European mer- chant the exportation to England and the ag Straits. )D s . Beside the article of cod fish, there is a con- w siderable demand in the West Indies for herrings, I'j mackarel, salmon, &c. which abound on the coast, le in the creeks and rivers of British America, from Id Labrador to Maine; and this description of fishery I, the provincials should be encouraged to prosecute k on the largest possible scale. This can only be ef- „ fected by an increase of population ; for as matters now stand, the fishery rather injures than benefits the provinces, since, if the scanty number of la- bourers they contain, hire themselves to this em- ploy, they must desert the fanners in the spring, when their services are most wanted. 72 It has been proposed, that a monopoly should be given to the British herring fishery at home ; but those who support such a proposition would do well to reflect that the reign of absolute mono- poly is over; and as this country must divide her profits and commerce to a certain extent, the only real question is, shall this participation be given to our rancorous enemies and inveterate foes, or to obedient and valuable colonies, who, during the late contest, espoused her cause with ardour, and maintained no contemptible number of troops in her defence?* Surely Great Britain is the more compelled to adopt the latter policy, from the consideration, that by so doing the pro- vinces will be effectually secured in their allegi- ance, having then the same interests, and being equally opposed to the same rivals. In the late treaty of Ghent, no mention is made of the fisheries; but although nothing is express- ed, it is hoped that government has decidedly prohibited the Americans from taking fish in our waters, and its sale in our West India islands. Un- less such strong measures be adopted, the pro- * Newfoundland Fencibles, New Brunswick Fencibles, 104 th Regiment, Glengary’s Rifle Corps, &c. 73 vincial merchant, who has already embarked extensively in this trade, in the expectation of being supported by the legislature, will be entire- ly ruined, and the employ revert again to the Americans, with its numerous train of benefits. But should the most rigid prohibitions ensue, at- tempts will be made by these active rivals to share the gains with us ! These must be imme- diately crushed ; no evasions whatever should be connived at. Experience has sufficiently proved that the restraint of law is of little avail, when opposed to American individual interest. If car- goes are allowed to arrive from the United States, and to be sold in the West Indies with impunity, it will be in vain to guard the banks of New- foundland with cruisers ; yet if the banks are not guarded, it will be in vain to look out in the West Indies. If this country perceives the propriety of re- taining her natural advantages, and employing her resources, she must not merely exclude the Americans from the banks of Newfoundland, but by every possible means encourage emigration ; for, without an increase of inhabitants, the pro- vinces can never carry the fishery to an extent L 74 sufficiently great to ensure that permanent ad- vantage to the nation, which it is capable of pro- ducing. Whatever is done with effect, must also be done quickly. The Americans, perhaps even now, are preparing once more to exercise what they have strenuously asserted to be their rights ; but should they be again permitted to obtain possession, the fishery would thereby become once more a bone of contention ! It is therefore better to put it completely out of their power again to mistake our favours for their property. The advantage of the fisheries has been in a measure already experienced, although never yet carried to half their possible extent ; but it is impossible to calculate on the probable benefits that might be derived from them. The increasing difficulties of the times in which we live, make it necessary to exert more vigour and greater en- terprise, than we have hitherto been accustomed to ; for there seems no other method of retaining our national pre-eminence. 3 75 CHAP. XIII. ON THE LUMBER TRADE. Mercantile men are well apprised of the vast importance to this country of the lumber trade, though it may be overlooked by those whose en- gagements do not connect them with it ; but by referring to authentic tables, the author hopes to place the importance of tTiis subject in a just point of view. It appears that, in 1807, the Canadas export- ed oak, pine timber, planks, and staves, to the amount of £i 34,344, 105. and connected there- with, pot and pearl ashes to the amount of £ 104,329, 155. Id. while Great Britain imported from Russia, in the year 1790, 1,193,125 planks, 85,647 boards, and 1456 masts. * * Tooke’s Life of the Empress Catharine II. of Russia. 76 These facts prove the high importance of this branch of commerce to Great Britain, especially considering the scarcity of wood at home, and our immense consumption for ships, houses, coop- erages, cabinet-work, &c. Attempts should there- fore be made to retain in this empire those im- mense sums, which have been annually expended among foreigners, in the purchase of lumber; and no unprejudiced mind can dispute the propriety of transferring part, at least, of the Baltic trade to our own provinces. The importance of sup- plying the West Indies from these provinces, and rigorously prohibiting the United States from any participation in the trade, will be enforced in the course of the chapter, by plain, but, as the author hopes, sound and convincing arguments. Is it reasonable, that they who have separated themselves from our interests, should be permit- ted to enjoy all the advantages, and sustain none of the disadvantages, w hich are the portion of our faithful adherents ? and when, at length, our true policy is ascertained, by painful experience , can the Americans complain if they are deprived al- together of these privileges? The consequence of their being admitted into the West India 77 market was, the possession of an enormous pro- portion of the trade, by underselling the provin- cial and British merchants. We may further observe, that Bryan Edwards estimates the annual demand of a West India plantation of six hundred acres, in staves and heading for casks alone , at £\50. In the year 17D1, it was estimated, that in Jamaica there were 796 sugar estates : these, at the rate of ,s£l50each, per annum, would give the Ameri- cans £\ 19,400 annually, in this branch of trade from one island. Add to this, the consumption of the other colonies, the constant increase of cleared estates, and the new settlements of Ber- bice and Demerary, and it will clearly appear, that the supplies requisite for these, and other de- scriptions of timber, are immense, especially when it is recollected, that the buildings in the towns and plantations are chiefly constructed of wood. —The annual demand for lumber, previous to the restrictions, was 1 1 7,740 loads ; the Ameri- cans, through the impolicy of our government, furnishing 1 13,600, while our provinces had only the opportunity of supplying about 3496 loads : but, in 1810, while the restrictions on the Ameri- 78 can commerce continued, the exports from Que- bec alone amounted to 160,932 loads, proving the ability of the colonies to supply the most unli- mited demand, and clearly exhibiting the immense disadvantages our colonies formerly laboured un- der, from the want of this single branch of trade. But the suppliers also roughly manufactured the wood into planks, shingles, scantling, &c. the situation of the West India islands ren- dering this diminution of their labour necessary ; thus giving to the Americans, in consequence of their great proportion of this trade, immense - advantages, inasmuch as it furnished employ- ment to numerous saw-mills and shingle-makers, and improved territory otherwise of no value, ex- cept as supplying lumber ! Thence arose in the stony, sterile regions of New Hampshire, flou- rishing settlements, and a numerous population. At Damoriscotti, the author saw, upon one stream, eight saw-mills, in the short space of a quarter of a mile. These districts, not being able to raise within themselves a supply of food, the southern states were also benefited, by furnishing them with flour, and other necessaries : this oc- casioned an extensive coasting trade, which, when 79 interrupted by our cruisers, during the late war, was conducted on land, by means of waggons, and gave rise to the humorous idea of a “ horse marine.” Had there not been a great oversight in the British negotiators of 1783, New Brunswick should have extended to the river Kennebec, which seems the natural boundary, and would have included several fine streams, suitable for saw-mills; or early encouragement should have been given to the provinces to engage in the lum- ber trade, before those streams became thus in- strumental in repressing the growth of the pro- vinces: but, as things exist at present, it would be considered a disadvantage, by the lumber cutters of New Brunswick, were the country between Cas- tine and East-Port possessed by Great Britain ; for then the inhabitants, in consequence of the superior facilities they possess, would have quite the advantage of them in the lumber trade. — The restoration of Moose Island, however, should be resisted. It was the noted resort, during the late war, of privateer pickaroons, who so infested the Straits of Passamaquody and the Bay of Fundy, that a vessel could not escape them ; and, in case 80 of hostilities, might again prove a severe check to the lumber trade of St John’s, New Brunswick; operating as an enemy’s station at the Nore, would on the trade of London ; the two cases being ex- actly parallel. It is therefore confidently hoped that the British commissioners will appreciate its importance, if it come under their cognizance ; for they may be assured, that nothing can benefit the whole province of New Brunswick so much as the possession of this island. CHAP. XIV. ON THE TRADE IN HORSES AND HORNED CATTLE. This branch of commerce has been a fruitful source of w'ealth to the United States. Jamaica excepted, all the islands have been supplied with a large portion of oxen for slaughter, and nearly the whole of their horses from thence ; and as the custom of these colonies disposes every per- son to ride that can purchase a horse, the de- 81 mand in this article is prodigious; especially as these animals are affected with disease, in conse- quence of the climate, and great numbers die in the seasoning. Hence cargoes are arriving in perpetual succession, being scarcely able to sup- ply the great demand. In this trade American duplicity and fraud were most conspicuous, for they engaged in it always in connexion with a system of imposition. But while the West India islands must be supplied at present from a foreign source, it is certain that, in a short period. Nova Scotia and New Brunswick would be able, with proper at- tention, to supply the most extensive demand. The horse thrives remarkably well in each of these provinces, particularly the latter, which has produced some fine racers ; attempts have even been made to engage in the West Indian trade, but the stock on hand beingtoo small to admit of a regular supply, the projector’s expectations were in some measure disappointed. Therefore, as the total prohibition of American supplies would be highly detrimental to the plantations, they should be admitted only through certain channels, such as the Bermudas, or New Brunswick, and M in certain proportions, as one American to four or six provincials; or, if admitted direct from the United States, the importation should be limited to one hundred head for each island annually : either of the proposed measures, in connexion with importations from the Spanish Main, would prove a tolerable supply, till our colonies should be so improved as to render them no longer ne- cessary. And here it might be proper to remark, that an abundant supply might always be procur- ed from thence, * were not the quality so infe- rior, and ill adapted to a country where beasts of strength and bottom are required. Hence, though they are purchased from £5 to s£lO per head, yet the expense of oats, necessary to render them serviceable, is frequently greater than that of a good horse, unless the planter send them to his estates, and feed them with corn stalks, cane tops, sweet potatoes, &c. in which case, in addi- tion to the value of their dung, they sometimes have proved fine cattle. From these considera- tions it will appear, that, notwithstanding the * The Spanish American horses are remarkable in shape; their faces have universally a curve backwards, from a little below the eyes to the nape of the neck ; their tails are more slender, and liker those of mules, than the European and North American breed. 83 Spanish horses are numerous and cheap, there is an absolute necessity for supplying the islands * with a more efficient breed. His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent, when Governor of Nova Scotia, made some praiseworthy efforts to improve the breed in that province, by importing stallions of famous pedigree, and per- mitting the gentlemen and farmers to embrace the opportunity of crossing the bi'eed. 1 he con- sequence was, that cargoes of superior horses w'ere sent to the West Indies, and with a little perse- verance and assistance from the government, a good trade would have been established. I he author would still suggest, that from the same quarter, in addition to any other liberal scheme that may be devised, a sufficient number of prime stallions be sent to Halifax and St John s, with authority to the respective governors to permit all applicants gratuitously to partake of the benefits. Added to this, a premium of ten guineas should be given to any person who annually reared three * Jamaica is an exception, producing a fine breed, sufficient for her own consumption, and could well supply the other islands, if it were to windward; but it would take more time to beat up from Jamaica to Barbadoes, than to sail from Halifax to the same place. 84 colts upon lands cleared by themselves, within three years of their application ; thus tending not only to increase the breed of horses, but the cul- tivation of the soil. Much of the interior of the country is more adapted to the breed of horses than to any other use whatever; for, being of gentle declivity, well watered with streams and lakes, and for the breed of these animals a partial clearance only being necessary, the stumps of trees may be left stand- ing; it therefore could be engaged in very eco- nomically. Hence, were graziers and horse-breed- ers to settle in the provinces, introducing, at the same time, brood mares and stallions, with trusty servants, &c. they would not only enrich them- selves, but most essentially promote the welfare of their country. With regard to oxen, the Windward Islands are not so much in want of them as they are of horses, having a breed, of which, though diminu- tive and lean, the flesh is usually considered to be sweeter, and to possess a more delicate fibre, than that of the American cattle. Hence, the Creoles never use the latter, if they can procure 85 the former : * and the proportion of imported oxen, for the consumption of the inhabitants, was to horses nearly as two to six, independent of the supply for the troops and navy, which fluctuated according to the number on the station, and was usually drawn from the States. Jamaica produces fine large oxen, but draws, in common with the Leeward Islands, considerable supplies from l’orto Rico. The small supply, therefore, which is necessary, the provinces could at the present period abun- dantly export, if some regulations, by bounty or otherwise, were made to lower the price of freight, &c . ; the contractors being now able to procure live oxen at from 4d. to 5d. per pound, with al- lowance for offal. In addition to which, it may be observed, that considerable districts, in both provinces, are peculiarly adapted to grazing; the Cumberland marshes affording most luxurious pas- turage, and producing the finest cattle, as well as Colchester, Cornwallis, Horton, Pictou, Antigo- nishe, in Nova Scotia; and the rivers Pitecodia, and St. John’s, in New Brunswick, whose shores are * Tlie turtle in the West Indies can be procured as cheap as beef, and is greatly preferred. 86 cultivated, and abound with cattle, which might be increased to an indefinite extent. With such resources within ourselves, is it wise to permit an inveterate rival again to increase his power by our supineness? surely not. And henceforth let our policy be decided: let us pour an efficient strength into the colonies, enlarge their trade in staple articles to the West Indies, and connive at American interference no longer than absolute necessity requires; and at the same time employ- ing the most vigorous means to shorten that period: for when our islands and provinces, linked a chain of mutual dependence, shall reciprocate the advantages arising from the exclusion of ali- ens, and furnish an immense accession of strength to the empire at large, we shall then clearly evince, that the stream which had watered and nourish- ed the prosperity of the United States, has again reverted to its legitimate channel. 87 CHAP. XV. ON THE FLOUR TRADE. Good effects of the Com Bill anticipated.— The Canadas and New Brunswick fully competent to supply the West Indies and Great Britain.— Relative quali- ties of the British, Canadian, and United States flour.— Causes of the appa- rent difference assigned ; with hints to promote the trade. Europe has been desolated by bloody and pro- tracted wars, which have long since affected the labours of the agriculturist; and this country, in particular, has been compelled to maintain large armies and numerous fleets, which have equally contributed to advance the price of field labour, and increase the demand for flour; thus producing an artificial scarcity , which the Americans alone could remedy. Enjoying the repose of peace, possessing an extensive and fertile country, sufficiently peopled for the pur- poses of agriculture, they have raised corn suffi- cient for the purposes of an extensive exporta- tion ; and alive to the advantages which the cir- 88 cumstances of the times had given them, of ex- tending widely a lucrative commerce, both the general and particular governments of the United States held out the most flattering encourage- ment to all who entered their territories, by assign- ing them lands for cultivation, or employing their labour. Thus, the French revolution was not only attended with the most dreadful conse- quences to the European nations, but it paved the way for American aggrandizement. Multi- tudes escaping from tyranny, oppression, and fa- mine, in Europe, have sought an asylum on the shores of America: in addition to which, revolu- tionary principles, inculcated by insidious dema- gogues, and animated by French example, had intoxicated a large portion of the British poor. Changes in the mode of manufactures, by the in- troduction of machinery, as well as in the system of farming in the Highlands of Scotland, with discontents in Ireland, and consequent rebellion, have all severally contributed to pour consider- able numbers of the British population into the bosom of the United States; and, swelled by these tributary streams, the agriculture and commerce of America rolled her confluent strength, like a mighty river, inundating Europe ! 89 The United States erroneously supposed, that the people of Europe, and particularly Great Britain, could not be supported independent of their supplies of flour, and despising the supposed incompetency of their resources, they presumptu- ously anticipated our prostration to her “ rising empire.” But while it must be admitted that these foreign supports were necessary during the rage of battle, and the devastations of war, yet in times of peace the measure is most impolitic and absurd. Hence the author is compelled to express his warmest approbation of the late act of the British legislature, restraining the importa- tion of corn, and which, in his humble opinion, is fraught with solid advantages to the country, though he does not inquire how far this measure maybe abused by the rich, to the detriment of the poor. His views are directed to the consolidation of the strength of ‘the empire, by employing its resources, which consequence must follow, as the corn bill will check the overwhelming torrent resulting from American agriculture. In this country, the wants of an overflowing population preclude the possibility of corn re- maining on hand. The grower may always en- N Sure a market with ready payments ; and instead of soliciting purchasers, the latter are more inclin- ed to apply themselves to him: the consequence is, he gradually attains to affluent circumstances; and, generally speaking, the whole body of agri- culturists are, as they should be, opulent. On the contrary, the American farmers, compre- hending them in the same general view, are poor. Raised but little above a state of indigence, they are nevertheless freeholders, and can, with due at- tention, procure ample subsistence for their fami- lies, but that is all. Indeed, money is of little use to persons who reside in woods, manufacture their own apparel, and live on the produce of their farms. The proportion of such cultivators as these is very great; and the bulk of settlers have not so much in view to enrich themselves, as to be barely raised above a state of dependence. Indeed, were any so inclined, unless great expor- tations were going on, it would be useless; since the collective amount of the small surplus of each farmer, without any extra arrangement, would be more than adequate to the home consumption. They therefore quietly repose on their own free- holds, feeling no want, acquiring little money, strengthening and feeding the nation, but not en- 91 inching it.— Distinct from these are the planters of Virginia, Maryland, and others, who employ negro labour, and embark large capitals. Hie southern climate, like that of the West Indies, disposes the white population to habits of indo- lence, which, with the burdensome expense of maintaining negroes, and other circumstances, keeps them in a state of dependence on the mer- chant. When his staple commodities find a ready sale, he indulges in every species of extrava- gance; but should the foreign market be closed, he immediately ceases to raise articles for expor- tation, or they perish on his hands; while such is his depression, that he can scarcely obtain credit of the merchant for his negro clothing. From the premises now laid down, it is evi- dent that commerce is more essential to the American, than to the British agriculturist, inas- much as it stimulates him to produce greater crops than he otherwise could do ; introduces specie, not procurable through any other medium, procures foreign luxuries, gives an impetus to the whole country, converting the woods into pro- ductive fields, and populous towns. But, let the flour trade to this country, and her dependencies 92 cease, the political growth of the United States would be repressed ; and in consequence of this diminished exportation, emigration from them, would to a large extent immediately ensue. — It is in this view of the subject, that the author ad- mires the political sagacity, evinced by the fram- ers of the corn bill ; and is led to hope that other measures, equally wise, will be adopted according to the circumstances of the times. But while this bill upholds the agriculture of the mother country, it is hoped it may be so modified, as not to check the colonies. This country may raise sufficient corn, in favourable seasons, as shall ena- ble us to export considerable quantities of her na- tive growth ; but, in peculiar exigences, this may not only be impossible, but she may unhappily ex- perience an actual scarcity. It is therefore prudent to provide a granary, from whence regular supplies might be procured, in order to prevent the possi- bility of such an evil ; and where can this be so well reposed, as in the Canadas, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick ? Although these provinces con- tain some tracts of stony land, unfit for the pur- poses of agriculture, yet they possess vast dis- tricts, naturally more fertile than any east of Con- necticut ; and not so exhausted as the sandy soil 93 of the middle and southern states. It is a fact not generally known, that the land in the middle states has lost that peculiar fertility which its first settlers enjoyed, so that at present, without the aid of gypsum, or plaster of Paris, it will not yield an average crop. This latter is found in quarries, in large hard masses resembling stone, of a dirty greyish colour, and friable texture. It is ground into powder, and very sparingly applied. The great advantage of this admirable manure, is its imbibing and retaining moisture and coolness ; and where it is used, the crop is generally abun- dant. This plaster abounds in the neighbourhood of Windsor, in Nova Scotia, which place derived considerable wealth from its exportation; and such was the constant and increasing demand, that a considerable number of coasters were em- ployed in this trade previous to the late war, when it was exported at ten shillings per ton ; but when, by that event, the supply was cut off, it found pur- chasers in Philadelphia, at thirty-six dollars per ton ! proving most decidedly the diminished fertility of the soil in the United States. Lower Canada, although long used to a most injurious system of agriculture, is not by any means 94 in so exhausted a state as the districts above referred to; besides that, it has a most renovating resource in the lime which it produces, while the Upper province is not only unexhausted, but very fertile, and admirably suited to the growth of any species of grain ; it being difficult to find better crops in any country, than those reaped in the vicinity of Montreal and Quebec. In New Brunswick, ex- cepting the sea coast, which is rocky, the soil is generally of a very favourable description. Abun- dant crops are obtained, by the farmers of the banks of the rivers St. John and Peticodiac, where the greatest number of clearances are effected. And was this province but cleared, cultivated, and well peopled, its supplies would be more than ade- quate to our demands. In Nova Scotia, the most sterile of the four provinces, the author once saw the finest crop of winter rye he ever witnessed : it was on a new piece of hard wood upland. In these colonies, vegetation is so rapid, that the crops sown three weeks later than in Scotland, are reaped from three to five weeks sooner. In the year 1802, Canada alone exported 100,000 bushels of wheat, 38,OOObarrels of flour, and 32,000 casks of biscuit ; but, in 1810, the exports from the same source, were 1 70,000 bushels of wheat, 95 12,519 barrels of flour, 16,467 quintals of biscuit, 18,928 bushels of pease, 866 bushels of oats, 16 bushels of barley, 1,600 bushels of malt, 98 bushels of Indian corn ; and although it is certain that a small proportion of these articles, were not bona jide the growth of Canada, yet the major part un- doubtedly was ; and if the provinces under every disadvantage, could export to such an amount, of what extension is their trade not capable, when culture shall be more general, and labourers more numerous ? Here it will be proper to remark, that a great superiority is observable in the American flour, over the British and Canadian ; but this is princi- pally, if not entirely, to be attributed to the supe- rior care with which it is manufactured. In Bri- tain, that is considered fine flour, which undergoes at most three or four boltings ; and in Canada, its manufacture cannot be more perfect. But at Baltimore, there are merchants who embark very large capitals in this branch of trade ; and having mills of prodigious extent, with superior apparatus to those of the British miller, the flour is bolted eight or nine times, passing through several lofts iu its progress, till it is shot into the barrels in 96 which it is exported. And were the provinces certain of a constant market, though only to the West Indies, they would soon adopt the improve- ments of their southern neighbours in their mode of manufacture, and produce, instead of the pre- sent deteriorated article, flour of very superior quality ; which must prove an effectual check, not only on open rivalship, but on illicit importations from the States into the Canadas. From what has been said, the necessity of divert- ing the flour trade from the United States to our colonies, it is hoped, will be apparent. But should it be opposed by a too favourable regard for the Americans, or the dictates of prudence and cold cupidity, let the opposers reflect, — that by depriv- ing them of this lucrative trade, we only act upon their own measures. Immediately on the decla- ration of war, legislative acts of Congress were adopted, whose sole tendency was the depression of our manufactures, by levying heavy duties on the importation of British merchandise ; and which were intended to continue when peace should be restored : in fact, they are now in force. Again, let the nature of the American fanner’s situation be considered, and it will appear, that instead of 97 reducing him to want and misery, it would only confine his views, and render his condition less precarious. * Humanity, therefore, would not suffer by our exercising the rights of an inde- pendent nation, in the prevention of a commerce, which ought to be solely the privilege of our own citizens. But, finally, if the prohibition of this trade be supposed to empoverish, and consequently disable, the Americans from importing our manu- factures, let it be observed, that they are employ- ing every energy to render themselves completely independent in this respect ; and they will owe their success in this attempt materially to our con- nivance at their engaging in those species of trade, which tend to make us dependent on them, in- stead of exerting our own energies ; measures which tend to depress our northern, and empover- ish our West India colonies, and thus elevating their national reputation at the price of our own, * It is by no means unusual for com to be brought from Utica to New York, a distance of 279 miles, or from Pittsburgh, on the Alleghany river, to New Orleans, a track of 1595 computed miles; when, after this loss of money, labour, and time, the farmer may find a dull sale, and after performing these immense journeys to sell his staples, and purchase in return superfluous luxuries of foreign growth for his family and friends, he may after all incur great loss by tho. adventure. O 98 and hurrying on the period which they antici- pate, when British manufactures and commerce shall bow with submission to those of the States. The subject just touched upon deserves pecu- liar attention. That the intercourse of the Ameri- cans with the West Indies is most injurious to the latter, will appear when it is considered, that by the existing commercial regulations of this coun- try, the United States merchant receives his prin- cipal returns in cash j and also that various expe- dients have been resorted to, in order to keep a sufficiency of currency in the colonies ; but not- withstanding the most vigilant exertions of the colonial governments, and their reduction of the real, while retaining the nominal, value of the dol- lars, or the coinage of base silver, the Americans have so far succeeded in draining the islands of their cash, that the Author has known so serious a diminution of the circulating medium, as great- ly to affect the internal comfort of the inhabitants. But with what ease might these evils be diminish- ed, if, instead of conniving at an illicit commerce, a union of interests were formed between the West India planter and provincial merchant, in- troducing a regular course of exchange, and sub- 99 stituting the barter of their respective staples, for the present mode of cash payment. By these means a permanency of supply might be secured, not exposed to those sudden interruptions inci- dent to the present system, where the caprice, resentment, precautionary regulations, or actual hostility of the power producing it, may over- whelm the islands with famine and misery. This distress can hardly be appreciated but by those who have resided in the West Indies ; for though flour is certainly an article of luxury, and could be excluded altogether, yet an instantaneous stop to the accustomed importation would produce the effects above described. In confirmation of this opinion, the Author will show the mode in which the islands are affected, both by an influx and a scarcity of flour. Whenever the market for colonial produce is good, the planter directs his whole strength of negro labour, and his disposable land, to the growth of staple commodities, depending on a foreign supply of what is denominated “ bread kind.” Hence it has frequently occurred, that a plantation of 400 acres was so entirely covered with crops of canes, in their various stages, as not 100 to leave spare land sufficient to raise food even for the negroes, who were consequently fed with a foreign article, which, although expensive in comparison to the native provisions, was found by the planter less expensive, than a waste of land employed in the cultivation of the latter. When the trade of an island was thus flourishing, the white population entirely, and the negroes par- tially, abandoned the use of the various excellent substitutes for wheaten bread, such as yams, sweet potatoes, Guinea corn, Indian corn, eddoes, co. coas, plantains, &c. congenial to the taste of the natives, and indigenous to the climate. This was attended with no inconvenience, so long as the Americans continued to visit the West Indies; but when their trade was interrupted, serious conse- quences would ensue : the whites would naturally take care of themselves in the distribution of the stock on hand ; and when that was consumed, would intrench on the provisions necessary for the subsistence of the poor negroes ; the lamentable effects of which, as expei'ienced in the island of Jamaica, Bryan Edwards has described at large. He observes, that in consequence of severe hurri- canes, which afflicted the island between the years 1780 and 1786, the plantain walks were desolated. 101 and famine ensued ; the ground provisions being destroyed by the intense drought which followed. During this period of distress, the importation of provisions was only in a limited manner occa- sionally permitted. From the 3 1st January, 1785, the ports continued shut to American commerce, and the distress of the negroes became extreme ; “ that at length the provisions being quite ex- hausted, dropsies, and epidemic dysenteries, car- ried off’ immense numbers ; for, in seven years, no less than 1500 negroes thus miserably perished.” Similar effects, in an inferior degree, have been ex- perienced by various islands, during the long con- tinued restrictions, and embargoes on American commerce, though not amounting to actual star- vation, yet producing extreme distress to the in- habitants, particularly in the towns. But as many evils work their own cure, so it has happened in this instance. The necessity which compelled the reluctant planter to convert part of his estate, which before had been destined exclusively to the production of staple articles, into provision grounds, has proved, beyond all doubt, the capabi- lity of the islands to support themselves, when duly apprized of an approaching check to impor- tation. 102 It is therefore ascertained that the welfare of the islands does not depend on their connexion with the United States, as has been exultingly asserted by the Americans, and believed by their credulous partizans in Britain; and hence it may be inferred, that since the experiment of deriving a supply from the provinces, would not distress the islands, if warned in due time to prepare for the measure, it is worth the trial, as its result would be a permanent, instead of a precarious supply. These sentiments, I am aware, will be opposed by many whose interests they would eventually serve. In the West Indies, particularly Jamaica, a powerful predilection exists in favour of a more open intercourse with America than has ever taken place ; and many persons are sordid enough, for the sake of amassing wealth, to stake the wel- fare of posterity; but the good sense of the better disposed, both at home and abroad, will teach them the necessity of concurring with the mother country, fiom a sense of mutual danger, in mea- sures of mutual security. I.et us then, in justice to ourselves, freely and 103 fully revise our colonial and trading systems; adapting our measures to the novel and alarming situation in which the nation has been placed, by suffering American avarice and ambition to prey on our resources, not only with impunity, but with indulgence ; if this be done effectually, we shall not oppress that people, but check their in- temperate sallies, correct their pride, secure our- selves from insidious attacks, and, instead of losing our national strength, riches, and grandeur, we shall greatly augment them. CHAP. XVI ON THE ASSORTED CARGOES IMPORTED INTO THE WEST INDIES FROM THE UNITED STATES, THEIR CONVENIENCE, AND THE CAPABILITY OF THE PRO- VINCES TO SUPPLY THE SAME ARTICLES, AND OF SUPERIOR QUALITY* Among the various means, by which the citizens of the United States * y enriched themselves at the * That this is the real tendency of the American trade with the islands, will appear from the following statement of vessels and car- goes that cleared out for the States from the undermentioned islands, between 5th January, 1787, and 5th January, 1788. Islands. No. of ves- sels clear- ed out. Cargoes. Sugar cwts. Rum Galls. Molasses Galls. St. Kitts, 21 386 167,740 Antigua, 71 6779 375,150 1700 Montserrat and Nevis, 20 1895 122,710 Virgin Islands, 3 91 13,900 Total, 115 9151 679,500 1700 105 expense of our West India islands, that of as- sorted cargoes, composed of what the Americans denominated “ Notions ,” were conspicuous. These consisted of a variety of miscellaneous articles ; a proportion of lumber, with green or ill-cured fish, formed the bulk ; the rest comprised, in general, potatoes, flour, oats, beans, pease, biscuits, crackers, cheese, hams, butter, tongues, salt-beef, pork, poultry, eggs, apples, jams, soused and smoked fish, with other articles too numerous for detail. The inhabitants of the islands certainly experi-, enced great conveniences from these importations; and although many of the articles were contra- band, yet a general disposition prevailed among the islands, and was seconded by the officers of the customs, to connive at these transactions; and with such impunity was this system carried on, that the Author once heard an officer, who held a high situation in the Customs of a certain island, openly declare, that he made £500 annually by Now the number of American vessels that entered these islands, dur- ing the same period, with contraband goods, under the connivance of the Customs, must have been at least four times more than the above clearances; and on the most moderate computation, the pro- portion of ready cash paid for them, must have been at least ten to one against the produce taken in payment. P 106 American presents, for his connivance; and he justified himself both by the expediency and pre- valence of the measure. It cannot then be matter of surprise, that these innovators should be esteemed by the Creoles as their benefactors, or that the habit of supplying the islands with such multifarious arti- cles, so highly necessary to the West Indian, and conducive to the luxuries of life, should engender, in the minds of the Americans, a high degree of contempt for the British nation, whom they charged with holding possession of countries which they were unable to feed; than which no- thing could be more unfounded; for though in time of war, the mother country alone might be unable, yet we shall prove, that in connexion with her North American provinces, she can, not only introduce a more abundant supply, but even that of very superior quality, and that these pro- vinces only want suitable encouragement to bear down all American competition. The supposition must at first sight appear ab- surd, that four provinces, eminently fertile, should fad to supply the ordinary productions common to 4 107 all cold climates ; and it will still more striking- ly appear so from the following instance During the late war, Halifax in Nova Scotia, the least eli- gible of the four provinces, in an agricultural point of view (except in peculiar districts), was the principal station of a large naval and military force, which visited it without any previous ar- rangements to increase the victualling means of the province. The town was also swelled by a prodigious concourse of strangers; and seven or eight hundred negroes, lured by the prospect of gain, landed by the fleets from the Delaware and Chesapeake, who proved to be a useless body of eaters, whose labours could not, for a considerable period, contribute to augment the stock of provi- sions. Yet, notwithstanding these extensive de- mands, which found the farmers quite unprepared — notwithstanding an unusual extension of the La- brador fishery having taken place, and several privateers had been manned, with the recruiting of the Glengary’s rifle corps, raised in the province, which then took place, and which, with various other causes, had concurred to deprive them of a very great proportion of their labourers — the appeal may be made to all, whether naval, mi- litary, or commercial characters, not excepting 108 even resident Americans, who can form an esti- mate, if there was any appearance of scarcity. So far from that being the case, there was a profusion of all the necessaries of life, and the prices only such as all markets will obtain, when there exists a great demand and brisk sales. Necessaries ex- ceeded but little the usual price; while articles of luxury, such as butter, eggs, and cheese, were more advanced, from the very obvious reason of the impossibility of keeping the market supplied with more than its usual limited demand. The great influx, and particularly of naval customers, would therefore make, in these articles, this differ- ence of price. Now, if an infant settlement, thinly peopled, and but partially cleared, could, when unprepared, issue such immense supplies, — what could it not do in ordinary times, if better cultivated and peo- pled ? and as this is the lowest of the four pro- vinces in the scale of agricultural rank, what might not New Brunswick, and the Upper and Lower Canadas supply, which are larger, and in every respect more eligible? The capability, there- fore, of the northern colonies to produce these assorted cargoes, in point of quantity, must be un- 109 disputed : the quality of these articles is conse- quently the only point that demands attention. Now, with respect to lumber, it may be observed, that the author once conversed with an intelligent wood-merchant at Wiscassets, who declared the lumber of that place to be superior to that of Kennebunk and Saca; and that, advancing up the Bay of Fundy towards Penobscot, it sensibly improved, being still better in New Brunswick- And with regard to cod fish, there is no compari- son between that taken in Boston Bay, and that from Cape Sable in Nova Scotia, though both are inferior to that from the Banks of Newfoundland. Of other descriptions of fish, esteemed as luxuries in the West Indies, salmon is more abundant in the provinces, and its quality much superior, the numerous saw-mills having extirpated this fish from a great proportion of the American wa- ters ; and though a smoked salmon of twelve pounds weight, may be purchased in St. John’s for two shillings and sixpence, yet either in Bos- ton or Portland, it would command twelve shil- lings. Shad, mackerel, gaspriens, and herrings, are very superior, and most abundant in the streams and shores, from Cape Sable to Labrador: the latter fish, which frequents almost exclusively 110 the shores of the provinces, being not only scarce, but also of very inferior quality, south of the Straits of Passamaquoddy. The eels and lob- sters may be compared with any in the world ; and those prepared by a lady of Halifax, who exports vast quantities, greatly excel. The apples of Ca- nada greatly surpass those of the States, not only in flavour, but durability, by which they are ren- dered more suited to a West India voyage than those of America, which become mealy, while Quebec apples will keep well in a warm climate. Various other articles, the produce of the Pro- vinces, might be enumerated, as being superior to those from the United States; but we must con- clude this statement by the mention of cyder, which is produced of an excellent quality in each of the provinces ; that from Cornwallis, and Hor- ton in Nova Scotia, being equal in every respect to the manufacture of Hertfordshire, in our own country. Thus, then, encouragement only is wanting, for the provinces to secure to the Cre- oles a constant supply of “ Notions.” These arti- cles may appear of trivial consequence to the Bri- tish public, but to deprive a race of men of what they esteem luxuries, is to make them repine. The worthy Aldermen of London, when engaged at a turtle-feast, do not less appreciate its enjoy- ment, because turtle is vulgar food in the West Indies ; and to deprive the meanest individual in England of tea, would, in his estimation, be an abridgment of his comforts; while a failure in the supply of “ Notions” would much more af- fect the enjoyment of all ranks — from the negro, who buys his rancid shad, to the opulent and hos- pitable planter or merchant, who spreads his board with a profusion of delicacies, to entertain the stranger guest. It would be difficult to ascertain precisely the annual amount expended in these minor articles, as they 'were not interfered in by the Custom-house ; but it would be very far within the bounds of pro- bability, to estimate the sum annually passing into the hands of the Americans for “ Notions,” from the island of Barbadoes only , at 100,000 dollars, or £25,000 sterling. Thus, by insensible chan- nels, has the stream of British wealth been divert- ed from its course, and the foundations of her greatness sapped; but let her awake, and fully contemplate the danger which now threatens her political existence, and adopt the measures neces- sary to guard against it, CHAP. XVII. ON THE RELATIVE SITUATION OF GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA AS MANUFACTURING RIVALS. At the era of the French revolution, the mo- mentous events in Europe, and the dangers of a revolution at home, so completely occupied the attention of government, that America, who had recently established her independence, and not having then given proofs of dangerous rivalship, was overlooked in the scale of nations : no watch- ful policy investigated her public measures. Con- ceived to be too insignificant for notice, encou- ragements were given to her trade ; and during the period she enjoyed internal tranquillity, she grew up to a gigantic stature. Emigration from this country proceeded rapidly, the government either overlooking or conniving at it. The bene- fits of a neutral flag produced wealth, which was further augmented by the introduction of foreign capital, and the active spirit of enterprise, concur- 113 ring with a happy combination of other circum- stances. British competition was nevertheless formidable, and, in many instances, overwhelming. The people rather dreaded than desired a conten- tion for national pre-eminence in manufactures ; and it was not until the war was forced upon the nation, by the profound and complex, though er- roneous policy of its government, that the public mind was directed to this consideration. Prior to that period, it was regarded as a matter of dubious policy, and the question as to the propriety of the States becoming a manufacturing people, was dis- cussed by able men of both parties, without com- ing to any determinate conclusion. Some years since, it was the favourite subject of the Federal- ists, and most strenuously opposed by the adverse party : at present, and the fact is worthy the most serious regard of this country, it is fostered by both parties, and the Democratic government stands pledged * to promote it. It is now regard- * The following is what is implied in the American government's standing pledged to promote manufactures. It was cited by an emi- nent leader of the Federal party, in 1793, the era of the commence- ment of the manufacturing fever in the United States, as direct tran- scripts of the established customs of old nations : — “ Duties laid on foreign articles, the rivals of those intended to be encouraged/’ Q 114 ed as a necessary means of increasing the na- tional strength, and eventually ruining the ene- my! Here then is an entirely new aspect of things, since the American people, by their constituted authorities, have openly avowed their determina- tion to commence a system of rivalship ; and the state of their country is sufficiently mature, to excite confident hopes of success on the one part, and to warrant uneasiness and jealousy on the other: for, as the American manufacturers have increased in number, so have they advanced in “ Prohibitions, or duties equivalent.” te Prohibitions of the ex- portations of the materials of manufacture.” “ Pecuniary boun- ties.” “ Premiums.” “ Exemption of the materials of manufacture from duty.” “ Drawbacks of the duties imposed on the materials of manufactures.” “ Encouragement of new discoveries and inven- tions, and the introduction into the United States of those made in other countries, particularly machinery.” “ Judicious regula- tions for the inspection of manufactured commodities.” “ Facilitat- ing pecuniary remittances, and the transportation of commodities from place to place.” To all these another must be added, which was only hinted at by the above individual, and which subsequent events have proved, has been basely acted upon ; namely, not merely the encouragement of emigration to the States, but the application of its funds for the purpose of decoying away from Britain skilful artisans and mechanics ! 2 115 importance and reputation at home. The national vanity always disposes them to overlook real de- fects, and discover imaginary excellence in all ar- ticles manufactured within the States; a principle which, whatever be its source, is of immense ad- vantage to the rising manufactures. With these dispositions, the Americans enjoy some very important advantages in the possession of manufacturing articles of superior quality, and a country so intersected with streams, as to faci- litate the introduction of water machinery. And should the first efforts to introduce a sufficient number of weavers, and the British improved ma- chines prove successful, by giving any consider- able impulse to the home fabric, a prohibition of cotton, with other raw materials, may soon be ex- pected, as a measure calculated to prove highly injurious to the rival interest. It is not improbable, that mercenary indi- viduals of this country, possessing capital, influ- ence, and experience in particular manufactures, may be induced, by the encouragements held out by the Americans, to embark these valuable qua- lities in their cause, carrying with them consider- 116 able numbers of artisans; and so sensible are the Americans of the necessity of introducing foreign manufacturers, for the purpose of conducting and working their factories, that great importance is attached to the advantages arising from their im- portation ; nor is it improbable that bounties may be given, or at least seci'et rewards bestowed, on the captains of American vessels, to direct their attention to this subject. The liberal minded Briton, who has not had the advantage of contem. plating the American character, or from personal observation of forming a judgment of the party in power, or the collision and effervescence of opi- nions and motives, exposed, detected, assented to, or contradicted daily in the political contests of the States, may feel perfectly secure, and say there is no danger, estimating the character of that government and people by his own, and de- precating their being charged with such practices as too degrading. But let not our excess of can- dour betray this country into a state of supine- ness; let not false reasonings and wrong conclu- sions lull it into an opinion that America cannot rival the manufactures of more mature countries. Rather let such persons reflect on what she has already done, and will still farther attempt. And 117 here let it be observed, that where two parties of opposite political opinions meet in a common centre, it is not likely that any of their darling projects will remain untried. An extension of manufactures, therefore, is the prevailing desire of the whole nation, and it is founded on the principle of making the citizens of the States in- dependent of a European supply, and supplant- ing Britain in foreign markets; the States pos- sessing collectively many natural advantages, mu- tually conducing to their property, while held to- gether by one common bond of union. And it must be remembered, that these are in the hands of a people, who have displayed the greatest de- * greeof perseverance of spirit, and adventurous en- terprise, in matters connected with trade. * What then is wanting, in order to establish manufactories sufficiently extensive to supply the home consump- tion and engage in exportations, but a supply of artisans, which can only be procured from Europe? * The following circumstance affords an excellent illustration of the above A gentleman established a spinning mill near Portland, but as the country people had always been accustomed to spin cotton and wool for themselves, he could find no employment for it ; to break the old system there, he actually spun gratis for a considerable time. Query . Was this patriotism, or was the individual secretly supported by the government ? 118 And one grand advantage, stated by their ablest writers, rests on the circumstance of “ employing foreign strength in the manufactories, leaving the natives to cultivate the soil or navigate the ships.” The author is, therefore, fully persuaded that Great Britain never before had such a dangerous rival ; especially as the American government stands pledged to do something extraordinary, and has even commenced with a new tariff of duties on importations. This, then, is the era of a systematic contest, which must eventually endan- ger the safety of the one or the other. In the United States, where politics are so generally dis- cussed, a stranger cannot long remain ignorant of party difference and sentiments, arising from that universal desire of communicating and inquiring, that is prevalent throughout all ranks of the com- munity. It is easy, therefore, for an attentive ob- server to elicit truth from the various contrarie- ties which exist among them. The author’s opinions consequently are not singular ; they are those of many other persons well qualified to judge. But the public mind in this country is too tranquil; it must be aroused from its lethargy, and it must see 119 America through the medium of the traveller: nothing amounting to a national feeling has yet swayed us in the contemplation of this formidable opposition. So new, so dangerous above com- parison, yet so easy to be defeated, even now ! It is time, however, to form a stimultaneous opi- nion, and use, not only the ordinary precautions of prudence and foresight, but to redouble them. Ignorant of the secret views of the advocates for American manufactures; ignorant of the moral tendency of a manufacturing system, to superin- duce the very restraints, the imaginary oppressions, the want and poverty, they are anxious to fly from; an unthinking populace embrace with eagerness the desire to emigrate to that happy country where liberty and affluence await them, while the salutary restraints at home, intended to promote the good of the whole nation, are regarded as per- sonal slavery. They are, at the same time, allured by the high price of labour, the promised plenty, and cheapness of provision in the States ; all of which operate as additional incentives, determin- ing them to accept the insidious proposals of the foreign negotiator. Emigration, therefore, to the United States, 120 must be checked, while that to the British pro. vinces must be encouraged. New channels must be provided for our superfluous manufactures when the old ones are stopped, as the time may not be far distant when they may be excluded from the States altogether, or such duties imposed as shall give the rival commodities a complete ad. vantage over them. The possibility of the manufactures of America contending with this country, did not escape the penetration of Lord Melville, when Mr Dundas. With a prophetic spirit he asserted in the House of Commons, in April, 1796 , that“ such an event, besides the prejudicial manner in which it would operate on the navigation of the kingdom, would put out of our power the whole produce of the West Indies. For when the planters could readi- ly find a market elsewhere, we should lose all the surplus which forms so great an article in our fo- reign trade; and the whole of that important ad- vantage would be for ever lost.” Speculatists, at the very commencement of the colonial system, saw the possibility of their future opposition. Sir Joshua Child, in the year 1660, remarked “ that America possessed a fitness for rival manufactures, 121 building rival shipping, and draining the mother country of people.” And it was prognosticated, that the colonies would soon revolt ; notwith- standing which, the perpetual endeavours of dis- affected persons could not separate them from the mother country, until upwards of a century had elapsed ; during which period, the commerce, manufactures, and prosperity of Britain, increas- ed most rapidly. The conclusion therefore is, that, like other events of the age, the novel aspect of American competition, being without prece- dent, precautionary measures of the same de- scription must also be taken, adapted to the pecu- liar exigences of the case. A formidable party have reasoned very forcibly, and they have sup- ported their reasonings with estimates, and cal- culations on the supposed tendency of restrictive measures to ruin the West India islands, and by their means the mother country ; and yet it ap- pears, that when restrictions prevailed, the Ame- ricans bore away so large a share of our com- merce, as enriched and enabled them to prove our rivals in manufactures ! If a restricted com- merce did this, what would one less restricted do, but increase their resources and competition ? If under the accumulated evils of restrictions, em- R 122 bargoes, non-intercourse acts, and open war, the Americans could establish manufactories of large extent, what will they not do, now when peace is restored, provided they are indulged with an f uninterrupted commerce with our colonies ? If they have already made such rapid advances as to give this country serious cause of alarm, can it be supposed that American forbearance will abstain from future enlargement, purely from a complaisant acknowledgment of any favours and commercial indulgences we can give them ? On the contrary, their dispositions will lead them to take advantage of our weakness, instead of reciprocating our benefits. Some may sup. pose, that the late war had in itself a tendency to encourage the manufactures of America, by ways and means inseparable from hostility and diminished importation, thereby affecting their extension j and consequently, that a continuation of restrictive measures on our part, would still more advance the views of the enemy. To this we answer, that although it may be very possible for war to give a bias to the manufactures of a nation ; it can do no more : peace and commerce, are essential to its further progress. War, it may be admitted, has given that bias to American s 123 manufactures : to the necessities of the nation we may in part attribute the progress that they have made ; but to make any greater advances, at least alarming ones, requires finances, recruits of artisans, access to European manufactories, models of machines, public credit, and other ad- ventitious supports, derivable only from peace and widely extended commerce. What then is the precise situation of the two countries ? Great Britain has a competitor, formi- dable from her natural advantages, which, at pre- sent maybe restrained; but which, if permitted to flourish, will undoubtedly overwhelm her. Two trees growing near each other in the forest, will rarely stop at the same point of stature ; one will overgrow, shade, and render the other unhealthy ; but if the aspiring tree be lopped, although it may afterwards produce some branches of unnatural vigour, and increased verdure, yet it will scarcely ever recover its loss of stature, being shrouded in its turn by the opposing tree. America, then, is the aspiring tree ; she has reared her head, and extended her branches, threatening to cover the aged and venerable oak of British power and grandeur, from the influence of the solar rays of 124 manufactures and commerce. The growth of the American pine must therefore be checked, ere those baneful consequences arise from her com- petition. Some will assert this to be impossible ; American commerce must, they say, go on pro- gressively, until it reach its apex! Let that be granted for the sake of argument : it will only prove the necessity for the exertion of those ef- forts, and the fulfilment of those duties which the Author will more fully consider in the following chapter. 125 CHAP. XVIII. ON THE DUTY OF GREAT BRITAIN TO RECOMMENCE AND PERPETUATE A COLONIAL SYSTEM. Let us here, a priori, assume the popular opi- nion, entertained by the Americans and their Bri- tish admirers, that this country cannot stop the United States in their career ; who, they say, will eventually supply themselves with every article of manufacture, and exclude the British from their ports altogether. If this sentiment were well founded, we might indeed entertain the most fearful apprehensions. That America is making the attempt to render herself thus formidable, is indeed too apparent, and must be strenuously opposed. This may be effected, by a renovation of the ardour with which we once colonized ; not as an experiment, but as an actual duty. That this ought particularly to be the case, under our pre- 126 sent peculiar circumstances, will appear, when the indigence of many thousands of our poor is con- sidered, whom we cannot, even now, totally pre- vent from emigrating to the United States ; and by partial attempts of this kind, we manifest a spi- rit of oppression, unless emigration be permitted and encouraged to some other country. Besides, it may be observed, that although the States, after the lapse of an age, revolted from Britain, yet they greatly contributed to her prosperity, during that long period ; nor have they yet ceased to pur- chase our commodities. It would therefore be sound policy to plant colonies, even were we pre- viously assured of their defection, since the bene- fits of their commerce would be an adequate com- pensation for our expense and care, independent of the probable contingency that they may remain loyal. I he condition of the poor is a matter of melan- choly reflection to the benevolent mind; and the moi e so, as it appears to be the unavoidable con- comitant of civilized society. There is the highest authority to know, that “ the poor we shall have always with us. ’Ihe best regulations, the most equal laws, the most perfect state of liberty, can- 127 not altogether prevent, though they may combine to mitigate, the evil. It is a fact proved by expe- rience, that as a nation advances in riches, refine- ments, trade and manufactures, the condition of one part of its community will be ameliorated, while that of the other is deteriorated. Aware that the introduction of machinery, and extensive manufactures, will, with the good , also possess the evil tendency ; the Americans, while they invite, at the same time deprecate, those dis- tinctions in society, which naturally result from national affluence. With the same breath, they express an abhorrence of the corruptions of the “ old country,” and most highly eulogize a policy, which necessarily engenders the very pestilence they affect to shun ! Their predilections, or anti- pathies, would be of little moment to us, were they not so extensively disseminated, and calcu- lated by their aberration from truth, to poison the minds of the poor in this country. These circum- stances, therefore, call upon the government most decidedly to evince that paternal solicitude, and provident attention, which is their duty to this unhappy portion of our countrymen. If, through the vicissitudes of life, numbers are deprived of 128 support, or derive a precarious and scanty subsist- ence from hard labour, or itinerant traffic, a wise and liberal government should provide for them at the same moment an asylum, and relief from the public burdens, by removing these useless consumers to countries where they may provide their own sustenance, and acquire respectability. It is in vain to deny, or attempt to palliate the fact, that such is the condition of a large mas# of the poor of Great Britain ; nor do we stop to in- quire whether they have thus sunk through mis- fortune or misconduct. They stand before us in wretchedness and woe, silently imploring the fos- tering hand of power, to extend to them the be- nefits of emigration. These ideas have been suggested, by the mea- sure now pending, for the encouragement of emi- grants to Canada ; and by the declaration of the government, “ that although it did not wish to check, it by no means desired to encourage emigra- tion.” While the Author admires the policy which diverts several thousands of emigrants from re- sorting to the United States, and directs them to a British colony; he dissents with due deference from the sentiment thus conveyed, and conceives 129 that it is the duty of the British government to en- courage and promote emigration to the utmost of its power; since, notwithstanding the most wakeful vigilance, the malecontents will continue their emigrations to the United States, carrying with them animosities never to be eradicated, and thus increasing the abhorrence of the Americans for what they think a land of oppression, wrong, and violence. It is the perpetually resorting thither of such malignant visitors, that inflames their minds with rancour against us; stained, as they suppose us to be, with the blackest crimes, and smarting under the most complicated system ot grinding tyranny: and indeed it cannot be matter of surprise, that they should cherish such prepos- terous notions of us, when the feelings excited by the exaggerated complaints and miserable spec- tacle of those reprobate or unfortunate wretches, who present themselves from time to time, to the gaping crowds assembled to witness their debark- ation, are industriously supported by political harangues, essays, sermons, and other expedients. These arguments might be allowed to have some weight in ordinary cases: they apply, how- ever, with peculiar force to the particular situa- s 130 tion in which this country is now placed; and as America threatens, by her manufactures, to close that mart to our merchandise for ever, it should be our policy to enlarge our old colonies, and plant others, that when old markets become shut, new ones may be opened. Experience has proved that those of Europe may be so affected, as to render them inaccessible to our merchants, unless through a neutral medium; and even then they may be exposed to the rapacity of power, and persecuted almost to extinction : for among the unforeseen contingences of an eventful age, a re- currence is not impossible of continental restric- tions, so fresh in our recollection, and so deeply felt by our merchants and manufacturers. Dou- anniers may again ransack the warehouse of the continental merchant in quest of goods, bearing evidence against themselves of their being British fabrication, in order to their being burnt Open war, or armed neutralities may be resorted to, on the part of those powers now friendly : and the possibility of ingratitude being displayed even by those nations whom we have rescued from op- pression, is sufficiently proved by the annals of the present age. And as Britain is again engaged with that foe, over whom she has so signally 131 triumphed, transatlantic policy will await the issue of the struggle, and join with either that may prove victorious; thus most decidedly prov- ing the necessity of our recommencing a vigor- ous system of colonization, in order to provide new markets for our merchandise, when the customary ones may be for ever closed. * Mea- sures like these would bid defiance to America; she might then copy or improve upon Chinese policy, and retire as a world within herself, adopting the advice of her wild theorists, and visionary statesmen. Britain would smile at this dotage, finding in her colonies ample amends for the defalcation of American intercourse. The same causes that should induce, or rather compel Great Britain to recommence, should also cause her to perpetuate a colonial system, on a scale of grandeur suited to her power, and the great and urgent wants of her people: a system which, instead of draining the mother country of her riches and population, would rather pro- mote both. Idle, disorderly, or miserable subjects, always dangerous to the state, would be removed * It must be all along borne in mind by the reader, that the Battle of Waterloo intervened between the Writing and the Printing of this work. to scenes, where they may be induced to labour, by the powerful stimulus of a certain competence. The relief thus experienced at home, would, by the promotion of marriages, more than compensate for the loss sustained, while the colonists themselves would rear more children than they could have done, had they remained here. In short, there is no reason why we should have deviated from the policy previous- ly pursued, since our resources, strength, and weal tli, have increased in proportion to that of our colonial possessions. And even should they revolt, they must continue for a long period, even after their separation, to enrich us by their trade. Another consideration of considerable weight, in favour of a wider extension of colonies is, that those who thus experienced the paternal care of government, in removing them according to their own inclinations from want and distress at home, to happier situations, would entertain sentiments of gratitude to their benefactors, and attachment to their native soil, which they would transmit to the latest posterity. Thus by a righf commence- ment, sound and loyal sentiments might be perpe- tuated ; for, be it recollected, the seeds of Ameri- can disaffection were sown at the very outset. 133 That the original opinions, attachments, or aver- sions, of the first colonists are imbibed by their descendants, will appear from a comparison of the islands of Barbadoes and Jamaica. In the former, originally settled by the Royalists, an en- thusiastic partiality for Great Britain universally prevails; the primitive impressions have never been eradicated: while, on the contrary, Jamaica origi- nally conquered and peopled by the adherents of Oliver Cromwell, has evinced at all times a lofty spirit of freedom, and a passion for republican li- berty, which has not been obliterated by time, or the continual change of inhabitants. Those newly arrived are soon won over to the prevalent opi- nions, which are more in favour of the States than of England. Again, the provinces of Upper Ca- nada, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick, which derived their original population in a great mea- sure from the American Royalists, have in the late contest abundantly evinced that the loyal senti- ments of the fathers are transmitted to the sons ; and the Author bears testimony to that zeal for vi- gorous measures which they manifested against the United States, while he regrets that he has ob- served no disposition in this country to recompense their exertions. Better instructed than the native 134 British in the true character of the Americans from their contiguity and intercourse, they learn fully to appreciate their deadly animosity : hence a deter- mined spirit of opposition, the surest bond of their perpetual union to Britain, who, in order to tri- umph, has only to foster this happy predilection, adopt their sentiments, and extend her maternal arm, to cherish and defend them. That she will do this in the fullest extent, as an imperious duty, is the Author’s ardent and most sincere desire. CHAP. XIX. ON THE FOllMATION OF COLONIES ; PLANS FOR THE ENCOURAGMENT OF EMIGRATION ; AND THE NE- CESSITY OF SECURING TO CANADA THE ADVANTAGES OF ITS FRONTIER, BY MEANS OF MILITARY ESTAB- LISHMENTS. Having in a former place treated generally on the subject of colonies, we shall now confine our observations to the expedients employed in the 135 formation of those of modern date, suggesting hints for their establishment on a more secure and organic system, combining extended cultivation with the security of the Canadian frontier. Various measures have been adopted at different periods for peopling the colonies, both by govern- ment, individuals, and associated bodies. Exclu- sive charters have been granted by the former, and sometimes the people have been impelled to expatriate themselves, on the ground of real or supposed injuries. On other occasions, strong in- centives have been held out by government, or the chartered proprietors of the soil, or they have been induced to enter into limited service pre- vious to then embarkation. At one time, mer- chants and captains have first provided the emi- grants a passage, and then sold them into absolute slavery for a greater or less period of time : at another, persons convicted of certain descriptions of crime, have been transported to labour in the plantations, either for a term of years, or life. By means so various and contradictory, innumerable defects in the colonial system were suffered to ingraft themselves in its very commencement, and these were the radical causes of that ebulli- 136 tion of popular discontent, which separated the United States from the parent country. It is therefore the duty of government, not only to plant, but adopt in that instance, a more systematic and effectual mode of proceeding than heretofore j and also to take instant measures for attaching the distant provinces to the mother country, and to each other, by decidedly securing to each a reciprocal monopoly of trade, to the to- tal exclusion of alien rivalship. Had Mr Pitt berm acquainted with the present state of things, he would in all probability have yielded assent to, and acted upon these proposi- tions, when the first treaty was made: and had the Canadas been then more fully peopled, they would have succeeded much better in the late contest than they did. At the present, it is most assuredly the best policy to pour into them im- mediately large supplies of men, to prepare for any future contest with the States. The measures now in progress, with some few alterations, would be very good. The quantity of land allowed to each settler, instead of one, ought 137 to be jive hundred acres, with a certain proportion to each child, male or female, as soon as born, on condition, however, that ten acres of it be cleared annually. It seems to be the intention of govern- ment to establish such only as can bring strong recommendations, and deposit sixteen pounds, as a security for two years residence in the country. But this measure will be attended with great in- convenience to the new settler, and preclude his employment of additional labour, rendered so ne- cessary by the immense numbers of large trees that must be hewn down, and the great weight of the logs which require to be moved into piles. Mi- nisters seem to have in view the formation of re- spectable, yet partial settlements. These to their extent may serve the purpose ; but to meet the exi- gences of the times, a much broader scale of na- tional liberality must be exerted; and it may be asked why is such great respectability, or a depo- sit of sixteen pounds required? An individual may be unable to obtain the requisite documents, and yet possess the qualities of strength and honesty; or even if not remarkable for the latter virtue, lie might with safety be taken to a place where there would be no scope for roguery! — But as the pre- sent scheme appears well calculated for the pur- T pose intended, that of introducing worthy and respectable characters, it is hoped it will be per- petuated and enlarged ; though at the same time an auxiliary measure, embracing the lower orders may be safely adopted, and the Author recom- mends that it be founded on the following regula- tions. 1 . That printed proposals be circulated, as in the present instance, stating explicitly the terms of emigration. 2. That all persons indiscriminately (except notorious villains), of an age proper to labour, be permitted to enrol their names in lists, gratui- tously prepared for the purpose ; at the same time stating to which of the colonies they intend re- moving. These lists should be posted in public situations, for the purpose of guarding against fraud, that no persons be permitted to leave the kingdom if their creditors choose to affix a nega- tive on the list. 3 . That the emigrants should be under martial law, but guaranteed against any kind of military service, except that common to all inhabitants of colonies in time of war ; and that proper officers, 139 civil and agricultural, should be appointed, with a commissariat, &c. 4. That the emigrants, while they remain em- bodied, should be fed at the expense of govern- ment ; but, except in special cases, they should clothe themselves. 5 . That agricultural implements should be ad- vanced gratuitously by the government. 6. That the several corps of emigrants should proceed in transports, provided by government, to Canada, Nova Scotia, or New Brunswick. 7. That when arrived at their destination, they should with all convenient speed, commence the clearance of the precise district allotted to them, performing the labour in a body, until the whole was cleared, drained, and ready for culture. 8. The land thus prepared should be divided to each by lot ; the whole being previously sur- veyed and laid out, into equal shares of one hun- dred acres, or more, per man. * * One hundred acres of cleared land would be better than one thousand of forest land uncleared. 140 9. The officers to be paid an equivalent for their superintendence, either out of the cleared estate, or by a salary from government. 10. The emigrants to be invested with their re- spective estates, free of all fees or charges ; to hold them by the tenure of free and common soccage ; and be discharged from further services. To provide for these and all other settlers a proper supply of labourers, it would be expedient to furnish a free passage to as many as chose to emigrate, under an engagement to serve any farmer who wanted hands for one year, at the rate of five shillings per day ; the governor of the province to see that the engagement be duly fulfilled, and that the farmer be put in pos- session of his labourer : and provided the latter elopes, authority should be given to punish the offender, by deprivation of his salary and impri- sonment, during the remainder of his term, un- less it appear that the master has been guilty of cruelty or oppression. The emigrant of this de- scription would be placed in a condition similar to those who proceed to the United States ; and, after contributing his labour to the agriculture 141 of the country, he would at the year’s end re- ceive a nett salary of three hundred and sixty-five dollars, or ninety-one pounds one shilling ster- ling ; and after obtaining a colonial grant in the regular way, by petition to the governor, he could, with this sum, clear it to great advantage. Whatever misconceptions might at first prevail respecting these regulations, time would develope their superiority. The first experiment might not agree with the feelings of some, -‘-others might doubt their efficacy ; but when one corps of emi- grants were put in full possession of their grants, the good faith of government would be apparent, and the excellence of the plan conspicuous. The Author would also beg leave to offer a few considerations relative to the disbanding of the soldiery. At the conclusion of the revolutionary American war, certain tracts of land were granted to particular regiments : the lots were divided in an uncleared state to the soldiers who were dis- charged, to cultivate, sell, or abandon them, as they thought proper. A few of the more indus- trious cleared and cultivated their land, and either they or their descendants are now opulent farm- J 142 ers ; while the far greater proportion either clear- ed a sufficient quota to establish their title, and then sold the property, or else abandoning it al- together, suffered it again to escheat to the Crown. Thus the benevolent designs of govern- ment were defeated, and the progress of culti- vation by no means bore a proportion to the liberality of the government, or to the number of the grants. These defects might be easily remedied by em- ploying the embodied labour of a whole regiment, or detachment, on the entire grant of land, till the whole was cleared, and then dividing it to each individual by lot as before recommended. By this arrangement, obedience would stimulate to labour, while the prospect of speedy enjoyment would cheer it The impulse would be powerful, and the effect surprising; more land would be cleaied by such a corps in one year, than by the same number of individuals, as such, in twelve ; and a man who might be too indolent to clear land, and fell trees alone, might yet have indus* tiy sufficient to cultivate the land when cleared. As an instance of the rapid progress of clearing 143 land by a numerous body of men working in con- cert, the colony of Berbice might be adduced. That colony was cleared and settled full three quarters of a mile into the interior, for near sixty miles, extending along the sea coast and the shores of the rivers Berbice and Corantain, in the space of seven years. There the labour was performed by negroes, while that performed by the whites in a congenial climate would be as three to one in favour of the latter. Besides, this clearance, without any exception, required draining, which was effected by the digging of a dike, or fosse, nine feet wide, and six deep, completely round each lot of a thousand acres, or the part intended to be cleared. A high mound was also to be thrown up, with the soil excavated from the dike; in addition to which, cokers or floodgates were made, and the clearance of the roots was complet- ed throughout. What then might not be accom- plished by a body of one thousand men, labouring in unison, where no such obstacles existed, and where it was necessary to grub the roots from on- ly about a half of each lot. The Author would then advise, as a general measure, that instead of disbanding soldiers at home, in future all regiments intended to be re- duced should be sent to one of the four provinces, especially Upper Canada or New Brunswick, there to employ themselves in the manner now stated. Various benefits would arise from this disposition of our military force ; but particularly it would pour a large accession of strength into our colonies, which demand from us, as an imperi- ous duty, that they should be rendered capable of resisting future hostile encroachments. These old soldiers would not only be instrumental in strengthening the frontier by their own personal prowess, but their instructions would be ex- tremely valuable. It should be made one condi- tion by which they obtained their discharge, that each settler should train and exercise in the use of arms all his own sons above the age of thir- teen, together with those of six neighbouring fa- milies, once at least in every two months, unless prevented by actual sickness, under a stated pen- alty for every instance of neglect. This would obviate the necessity of the vexatious training of the militia, which in the event of war bears so hard on the farmers. The Author has known a whole company marched forty miles to a field inspection, 145 in Nova Scotia, greatly to the prejudice of the in- dividuals, from expense, fatigue, and loss of time. Another very important advantage, arising from the adoption of these measures, would he the strong incentive to enlisting in the army. If the British government held out these rewards in con- nexion with the present bounty, numbers would embrace the proposals gladly. But for this powerful stimulus, the United States could not have raised a military force at all, during the late war ; while, by means of it, they in a short time mustered a pretty formidable body of troops. Why then should we not profit by this example, and improve upon it to the utmost possible extent? 1 he soldiers could not think themselves aggriev- ed, by being disbanded so far from their native country, since they Would individually possess the right to sell their estates, immediately on being put in possession, provided they chose to return to this side of the Atlantic; and purchasers of clear- ed lands could readily be found, while the soldier would have no reason to be dissatisfied on leaving Canada with a property of four or five hundred pounds. 0 V 146 Some may object to thus draining the mother country of her population, on the ground of its diminishing the national strength; but it should be recollected, that by irrigating the colonies with the overflowings of the people, that strength which is lost at home, we transfer to a situation best adapted for our own defence. Canada is the ram- part of Britain: we must guard her important frontier from a recurrence of such hostile attacks as have lately been so successfully resisted; and this is rendered the more necessary, as the major part of those who have emigrated from this coun- try to the United States, burn with resentment for supposed injuries, and are, if possible, more inve- terate enemies to the parent state than their in- structors. These characters compose the prin- cipal strength of the American regular army, and constitute a great proportion of the population of Tenassee, Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, &c.; whose militia, during the late war, were more active than those of any other state. Besides which, the three hundred acres of land, given to each private sol- dier on his discharge, are appointed from districts which lie not only contiguous to our Canadian frontier, but to the Indian nations. Thus a po- pulation of soldiers, who, in addition to military s 4 147 experience, are the very dregs of the British peo- ple, and who have either deserted from the army and navy, or escaped the punishment of their crimes, by eloping to America, are posted in situa- tions, menacing both the safety of our colonies, and the independence of the Indians. But should any one still doubt the propriety of having recourse to strong measures for the defence of Canada, let him reflect on the great anxiety displayed by the Americans, to profit by our over- sights and geographical ignorance in the treaty of 1783, which then most injudiciously gave the Americans half the lakes Ontario and Erie. For instead of drawing a straight line to the river Mis- sissipi, which would have included Lakes Huron, Michigan, and Superior, it most impolitically di- verged at an acute angle, from the western point of Lake Erie, through the middle of Lakes Huron and Superior; and thus was the enemy enabled to establish posts and a numerous military popula- tion on our flank, enjoying over us all the advan- tages an invader could at any time desire. Dear bought experience in the late war, has given us a practical illustration of the fatal effects that have resulted from their thus having it in their power to combine an army on shore with a hostile fleet upon 148 the Lakes. The enemy also obtained the whole of Lake Champlain, affording them equal facilities for an attack, either on Montreal or Quebec; and be- sides all this, the boundary line which commenced at the north-west angle of Nova Scotia, intersected Arestook, a branch of the river St. John, which is the only line of communication in winter, be- tween the cities of St. John, and Quebec. Now at this period the river St. Lawrence being frozen, and the navigation of the gulf dangerous, Govern- ment despatches are sent from the latter place overland; and the courier, before he can pass from the one province to the other, must cross about fifteen miles of the territory of the United States, which thus intersects the communication, and gives them, when at war, a power of depriving the British of all intercourse with Canada for six months in the year. The inhabitants of the pro- vinces expected that the late definitive treaty would have corrected the error of the former, and restored these important frontiers; but as this has not been done, it becomes our imperious duty to exert all the energies of the nation, by planting settlements to secure what we have- No more must American fleets, manned with picked seamen, triumph over the inexperience 149 of a handful of provincials, and a few soldiers fighting on an uncongenial element: no more must a General Hull be allowed to proclaim, “ Canada is in my possession, and all white men “ fighting by the side of Indians shall be put to M death:” no more must our villages be doomed to conflagration and pillage, and the women and children banished their habitations, amidst the terrors of night, and the horrors of a Canadian winter, to perish in the snow. These scenes of desolation, too atrocious to be palliated, too noto- rious to be denied, must never again occur in Ca- nada. She must assume an imposing attitude, and overawe invasion; for nothing but a consciousness of inability to make an impression, will prove a restraint on American ambition. In order the more effectually to realize this grand scheme of national policy, it would be re- quisite to introduce women in sufficient numbers for the men, and by some wise regulations to promote marriages between them. For this pur- pose the wives and female connexions of all emi- grants of the second and third classes, who chose to follow their friends, should be assured of their being enabled to join them in their settlements. Meanwhile, if any were left destitute by the em- barkation of the emigrants, they ought to be taken under the protection of the country, and when it appeared suitable to send them, a free passage should be provided, as also for an unmarried female, as a servant to each. This would be found highly advantageous to the settlers, who being put in possession of cleared farms, would be in a con- dition to require female aid. In addition to this organized system of coloniza- tion by the government, it would be proper to permit the emigration of all persons so inclined in the ordinary way ; and for this purpose a mo- dification of the register act should take place, as far as relates to the regulations of emigration, and the quantity of provisions for each passenger. As a measure of precaution to prevent emigration to the United States, this act of the British legisla- ture stands unrivalled in political acumen. We must not diminish, but increase the restrictions on that pernicious practice; a practice so fatal to us, so salutary to our enemies. But where the object is bona Jide to proceed to the northern provinces, it would be quite fair and expedient to relieve masters of vessels from those heavy bonds, by which they are compelled to provide oatmeal, rice, molasses, &c. for each passenger, in large 151 quantities, as almost to amount to a total prohibi- tion of taking them out at all; and only to bind the captains to provide sufficient food, of the same quality as that given to seamen, which would amply secure the emigrants from starvation. If any should object to this, as giving facility to manufacturers and mechanics to escape through the provinces to the United States, the answer is, that care must be taken, not to permit any one to embark until his name has been affixed to the list of emigrants, stating the time and place of embark- ation, with the name of the ship, &c. These lists should be posted up in every market and manufacturing town in the kingdom, and a reward of five guineas should be offered to any person who should detect any mechanic appearing in the list. In addition to which, an oath should be re- quired of each applicant, stating his circumstances and destination; and instead of permitting con- stant departures, it would be proper to limit, not the number, but the time of embarkation, appoint- ing certain ports in Great Britain, from which alone emigration, divested of the restraints of the register act, should be allowed. As a further safe- guard, passports should be given to every emigrant 152 of each class, stating the particulars of their de- parture; and the provincial legislatures should be directed to adopt internal regulations of greater efficacy than those at present in force, respecting egress from the country. At present, it is only requisite for persons to affix their names in the Secretary's office, fourteen days previous to their departure. This is intended to guard against the fraudulent escapes of debtors, but is easily evaded, for the Secretary’s office is so little frequented, that a debtor might comply with every requisition, and obtain his passports, without the creditor hav- ing the slightest knowledge of the matter. It would therefore be necessary in future instances, that, besides having the names posted as hereto- fore, copies of the Secretary’s list, with the date of the signatures, should, for greater publicity, be affixed weekly to the doors of the churches, the town or court house, and in the market of the capital of each province. — Persons coming from the United States by sea or land, should be required to give in their names, and receive a passport, at the first seaport or frontier town at which they may arrive. These regulations would be no obstruction to 153 the honest traveller, whose views being just, could stand investigation. But it is most likely that the small proportion of mechanics who may arrive in Canada, would gladly remain there, and change their occupation for the pursuits of agriculture, even in opposition to the influence of American emissaries. CHAP. XX. ON THE POLICY OF PERMITTING EMIGRATIONS FROM FOREIGN COUNTRIES TO OUR COLONIES, UNDER THE SAME REGULATIONS AS THOSE FROM GREAT BRITAIN. It is hoped that the necessity of permitting emigration on the broadest scale to take place from Great Britain to her provinces has been made apparent, for the purpose both of increasing their strength, and relieving the poor of the parent state. It is now the Author’s wish to show, that it will be sound policy to permit Europeans in x 154 general to emigrate in the same manner, in aid of the first mentioned purpose. Experience proves that settlements of foreigners may exist in the heart of a British province, not only without the introduction of any thing un- pleasant, but even with the greatest advantage to the community at large. These, while they pre- serve among themselves most, if not all their na- tional distinctions, habits, and language, yet soon imbibe, in common with others of different local distinctions, a love for the country that supports them. In peace they contribute largely to its cultivation, in war they are its resolute defenders. Interest, that powerful bond of society, attaches them to the nation under whose auspices they flourish. It is not Great Britain alone that has yielded supplies of population to the United States; they have invited and entertained emigrants from all na- tions: why then should we not imitate this po- licy, which has proved so highly beneficial to them. We have it in our power to offer greater inducements than our rivals ; and when a man is to be engaged in manual labour, of what conse- 5 155 qtlence is it whether he speak the English or the German language? Let Government therefore appoint agents on the continent of Europe, vest- ed with full powers to invite able bodied men, with their wives and families, to embark for the provinces, under the same regulations as those al- ready proposed for British subjects ; thus adding strength to our provinces, and at the same time preventing as much as possible any accession to that of the American United States. It may not be impertinent here to direct the public attention to existing instances of foreign settlements in our possessions. In Nova Scotia, there are two large townships, * named Mala- gath, and Lunenburgh, besides scattered farms, entirely inhabited by Dutchmen and Germans ; whose industry, sobriety, honesty, and plain deal- ing, are conspicuous, and to whom the market of Halifax is principally indebted for a supply of vegetables, which they raise both of a good quality and in great quantities, keeping market boats, or shallops, continually plying between their farms * By a township, in the American acceptation, is meant an exten- sive district, of ten or twenty miles square, either peopled, or intend- ed to be so. 156 And the town , which is situated on 3, pcninsuh) containing a few acres of good soil, improved and fertilized by sea and other manure; while the surrounding country, on both sides of the estuary that forms the harbour, is poor and rocky, yield- ing comparatively nothing, and in short is un- cleared. But whoever visits the Halifax market wharfs, will discover proofs of the greatest abun- dance, and nop unfrequently from ten to thirty Malagath boats, of about forty or fifty tons each. The convenience of this to a town so situated is very great, as all the provisions come from distant parts of the province. — In New Brunswick, the township of Dorchester, and the banks of the river Poticodiac, to a considerable extent, are peopled by the descendants of the original French settlers, who retain their language, with the man- ners and dress of the last age. But notwith- standing these striking distinctions, they, equally with the Malagathers, considered themselves bound in honour and allegiance to Great Britain, and were prompt and zealous in the discharge of military duty throughout the late war; and, like them too, their industry is visible in the culture of the soil. 157 Numerous other instances might be adduced, but these are sufficient to prove the fact, that fo- reigners may become valuable British subjects. In planting settlements of foreigners, care should however be taken to place them as distant from the frontier as possible; thus effectually removing every scruple as to their loyalty, and because it is certainly better to line the frontier entirely with native British. These are points which it is hoped government will take into serious consideration. Money thus expended would not be misapplied, for the nation must be told again and again, that the provinces are her bulwarks, and that her vital interests are sacrificed the moment they are conquered. Would to God the Author had power to persuade this country to adopt the sentiments and politics of her provinces! Britain is dazzled by her glories in Europe, and regards American affairs with indif- ference. Alas! how fatal a propensity! her eyes should be directed to an enemy, alike inveterate in peace or war ; an enemy that will triumph, un- less immediately restrained by vigorous and stu- pendous efforts. ■ - <*> h 158 CHAP. XXI. ON THE WEST INDIES. Their importance shown; — Some particular Productions called into notice; The expedience of increasing theWhite, and ameliorating the condition of the Mulatto Population; — Advantages of clearing the Island of Trinidad as a Granary for the whole; — With Hints on the propriety of altering certain Custom House Regulations. It is not now necessary to enter into minute details, in order to show that the British posses- sions in the West Indies are beneficial to the mother country. That has been incontrovertibly proved by Bryan Edwards and others. The Author will therefore confine his observations to subjects connected with American rivalship. The articles of cotton wool, tobacco, and rice, are staples of American produce, from whence they have derived very considerable wealth. The following statement of the quantity imported into the ports of Clyde alone, will clearly exhibit the value of these commodities to this country. Port Glasgow*. — An Account of the quantity of Cotton Wool, Rice , and To- bacco , imported from the United States, Berbice, and Demerary, into this Port , from 5th January , 1806 , to 5th January, 1815 , distinguishing the quantity im- ported each year. Years ending, From America. From Berbice. 1 From Demerary. C otton Wool, Rice. Tobacco. Cotton Wool Rice, pTob. | Cotton Wool. Rice. Tob. Libs, Cwt. Libs. Libs. Cwt Libs Libs. Cwt. Libs,! 5tb January, 1807, 1 1808, £ 1809, 1810, ' 1811, 1812, 2813, 1814, 1815, 8,950 295,157 71,644 62,104 , 764,531 60,307 732 6 65 1,462,082 1,866,327 988,211 1.044,081 1,360,477 665,297 211,000 112,184 4*95,200 721,020 75,000 725,162 249,130 142,212 i 1,028,545 1 615,970 441,554 334,769 1,431,100 • 989,782 1,125,950 956,480 919,407 I Total, 1,262,693 803 i 7,386,475 | 2,730,958 | 7,853,557 Greenock. — An Account of the quantity of Cotton Wool , Rice, and Tobacco, imported from the United States, Berbice, and Demerary,- into this Port, from 5th January, 1806, to 5th April, 1815, distinguishing the quantity imported each year. i From America. From Berbice. From Demebary* Years ending, Cotton Wpol, Rice. Tobacco. Cotton Wool, Rice. Tob. Cotton Wool. | Rice. Tob.; Libs. Cwt. Libs. Libs. Cm. Libs* Libs. Cwt, Libs. 5th January, 1807, 1808, 1809, 1810, 1811, 1812, 1813, 1814, 1815, 5th April, 1815, 4,519,333 5,306,807 1,192,682 3,607,323 4,044,503 5,590,220 3,091,819 1,711 225 3,044 6,202 3,488 11 98 527,686 61,553 1,155,751 1,455,514 89,479 130,898 192,793 944,571 326,933 41,887 167,433 752,034 530,886 459,275 573,760 639,409 684,960 681,926 512,605 607,210 59,416 Total, 27,352,687 i 14,882 3,420,881 2,281,739 5,501,481 160 161 Those commodities could be very soon produc- ed by the West Indies, in such abundance as to render us independent of America. We ought therefore to consult our own interest, by imitating her policy, and imposing heavy duties on their importation from her states. The Georgia cotton is by some affirmed to be superior to that of West India growth, though by others the fact is much questioned. The superi- ority of the article in general however, is equally attributed to the species , the mode of curing the wool, and the peculiarity of soil and climate. The American cotton is an annual , the West Indian, a perennial plant. If this circumstance occasioned a difference in the quality, it might be soon obviated by a change of species. As the islands and Guiana colonies comprise various soils, a choice of situation may be made, adapted to the quality of the cotton intended to be raised. The American growth is of two kinds, the Sea Island, and the Upland; the former growing on the sea coast, the latter inland. Now, the sea coast of Guiana being a deep strong soil, produces a ranker and perhaps a coarser cotton than the Sea Island, which grows on a sandy soil ; but there is inland, a range of sandy hills, running parallel Y V51 162 to the sea coast of Berbice, where cotton of a quality, superior even to the American upland, would in all probability grow. The destination of the colonies of Berbice, Su- rinam, and Demerary, have not yet been made public ; and it is therefore uncertain, whether they will be restored to the Dutch, or ceded to us. * The latter is most desirable, and it would be better to purchase them, even at a considerable price, as their loss would be severely felt, there being not less than five or six millions of British capital vested in the whole ; but in the event of our losing pos- session, the other islands are competent to a suffi- cient supply, and under proper regulations the quality may also be improved. Tobacco is an article which the West Indies are decidedly better calculated to produce in per- fection, than Virginia itself. The produce of Cuba is universally celebrated. Though this island is not British property, it proves the fact now stated ; and the reason why tobacco has not been so generally cultivated as sugar, is because at an early period of the colonial system, the * See Note A at the end. 3 trade was secured to the provinces, now the United States. In process of time, predilections and local habits of planting sugar and tobacco, universally obtained, and the effect is still felt. But let a powerful stimulus be applied, and the planters be instructed in the mode of curing to- bacco, we shall then have no reason to be in any measure dependant on the States for this article of luxury, which has been constituted such by the inveterate habits of the people. Rice may be furnished by the Guiana colonies, equal if not superior in quality, to the very best Carolina. The Author has tasted some that was produced on a plantation in the river Sarramacea, in Surinam; also some that was raised by the inde- pendent Bush Indians, in the interior, and the qualities of each were excellent. He remarked its extreme whiteness, the ease with which it boiled, the plump and large appearance of the boiled grain, and the gelatinous taste, indicating an abundance of nutriment. The Bush negroes raise considerable quantities for their own use, and exchange large quantities for salt, at Parama- ribo. The planter who gave the Author the spe- cimen above noticed, cultivated it for an experi- ment, and was of opinion that Surinam alone could furnish sufficient for the consumption of Great Britain. — And if one colony could effect this, a superabundance would be raised from this in con- nexion with the other three, embracing a swampy coast of near five hundred miles in extent. It is well known, that a marine swamp impregnated with salt is best adapted to the growth of rice ; and it is worthy of observation, that the specimens alluded to had not the advantages of such favoura- ble soil. If rice of superior quality is produced in the most ineligible situations, what might not be expected from the prime districts? • Independent of the coast, there are numerous small islands in the river Corantain, large enough for a plantation, and peculiarly adapted to the growth of rice, being inundated about six inches at spring tides : of course, with proper flood gates and embankments, any desirable quantity of wa- ter might be admitted to irrigate the land. But supposing Guiana to be restored to the Dutch, it would be better to give them encouragement to raise this article, by importing it of them free of duty, and imposing one of twenty five per cent, ad valorem, on rice imported from the states. Or, 165 if it be thought more expedient to cultivate it ourselves, we have abundance of uncleared land, in Trinidad and elsewhere, equally adapted to its growth as the soils that produced the Surinam specimens; and there is no doubt that the West India planters would supply our wants, if proper encouragement were given them. Should these hints be attended to, it would be advisable to engage the services of those fugitive negroes, who absconded from the plantations in the Delaware and Chesapeake, and who are now in Nova Scotia as British free subjects. These men are well acquainted with the American mode of treating these staples ; and it would therefore be sound policy for the West India planters to hire them as overseers: their liberties being duly gua- ranteed, the men would no doubt readily embrace the proposals, as a cold climate is by no means congenial to their feelings. But the principal difficulty of procuring them is, that in some par- ticular instances, they are under personal engage- ments to serve for a limited term: but as their proportion of labour is not very great, their mas- ters would no doubt relinquish their services, for a trifling consideration. And the provisions of 166 the Slave Trade Abolition Act could not apply to them, they being free agents, and, like the whites, eligible to ingress and egress at pleasure. Should any doubt the spirit of the planters to engage in new speculations, let them look again to Berbice, where the rapidity with which cultiva- tion can advance is clearly proved, and the con- sequent progress of a new staple also apparent. Heavy duties were at one time imposed on coffee, in favour of the Mocha trade; but when the ad- vantages of planting it in the West Indies were as- certained, and the duties taken off, the cultivation of the article extended widely. Considering the colonies as supporters of the empire, their valuable resources should be called into action; restrictions of every kind, except those relating to American commerce, should be taken off, and every species of encouragement given to the discovery and cultivation of those numerous plants, with which they particularly abound. The cabbage tree, whose leaves are ligneous, and capable of producing a material resembling flax, the stringy fibres of which are remarkable for their fineness and strength, and free of those occasional inequalities existing in the best dressed flax. — Linen made of the cabbage tree fibres and common flax mixed, would most probably improve the fabric in fineness of texture, smoothness of surface, and durability. The Creoles are the only persons wdio use it as a substitute for fine thread, by extracting the fibres without maceration, and drawing the leaf under the edge of a knife applied to the thigh. Myriads of cabbage trees could easily be raised ; and it is worthy of remark, that bad soils and rocky grounds would be equally eligible for them. The tree is produced from seed which it yields copiously ; and it is supposed the young plant when about ten feet high would produce the best fibres. The silk grass, or gigantic aloe, produces larger fibres than the former, and they are used singly as threads for sewing, & c . : their texture is firm, round, and thin shaped ; the colour at first a glossy white, but, without bleach- ing, it becomes in time a pale flaxen yellow. This plant deserves peculiar encouragement, as it is capable of being made into cordage of superior elegance, and, if not exposed to wet, of great du- rability. Though therefore unfit for cables, it would 168 be very suitable for the standing rigging, braces, and bowlines of a ship ; its surface being smooth and compact, would please the eye, and not injure the seamen’s hands so much as the common cor- dage. In the manufacture of whipcord and twine, the silk grass would be found greatly superior, producing an article of peculiar smoothness and polish, divested of loose filaments. The Author has seen some twine manufactured of silk grass, both by the Indians of Guiana and the negroes of Barbadoes, far superior to that of British manufacture. A remarkable Lochier grows in every part of the West Indies, and that in great abundance, de- scending in festoons of considerable length from the branches of tall trees, particularly the silk cot- ton. It is found in greater quantities and higher perfection in Guiana than elsewhere. The In- dians call it “ Wee weerie,” a name generally applied to substances of quick growth. This ve- getable consists of long curly fibres, wonderfully ramified, and exactly resembling curled horse hair. These fibres are enveloped in a sort of brit- tle crust, to extract which, simple maceration alone is necessary. This article is eligible for all the 169 purposes of horse hair, as a stuffing material, with which it might be mixed to great advantage, or even used alone. There are various other things of great value that remain unnoticed, or neglected. These, in the present state of the country, should be explor- ed, and brought into use. Prohibitions and re- strictions should be removed, and all new staples imported into this country, duty free, for ten years at least. The gamboge, the gum-arabic, the cin- namon, and camphor trees, are found to thrive, both on the continent and islands. A fine speci- men of the latter, grows in the Botanic Garden in Jamaica. The attention of the Creoles should be drawn to these sources of wealth, especially as the three former articles being produced from shrubs rather than trees, might be raised very con- veniently in hedge-rows, without occupying much land; and experience has proved, that these use- ful articles can be procured from the plants in great perfection, insomuch that no well found- ed objection can be raised against their quality. If, in consequence, some disadvantages arise from permitting the West, to participate in the East India trade, by raising these articles, yet the bene- z 170 fits would greatly preponderate, particularly as it would increase the resources, and consequently the white population, of the West Indies, and thus enable them to consume the increasing produc- tions of the northern colonies. A mutual interest would thus be raised between them, and prove a strong inducement to the provincials to Continue under British protection, by which they would thus be enriched with the valuable monopoly of the West India trade; while a union with the States, or a precarious independence, would yield no equivalent. These are only a few of the mea- sures suited to times of no common danger; for in proportion to the bitterness of American calum- ny, should be the efforts of the British nation to ameliorate the condition of those remote estab- lishments, whose dependence on the parent state is commented on with acrimonious plausibility, and made to appear a badge of slavery. In attempts to improve the condition of the West India planters, they must concur even in some measures which are grating to their preju- dices. The white population ought to be increas- ed, especially in Jamaica; where, notwithstanding the manifest impolicy of the measure, many of the opulent discourage marriage among the whites, by refusing to employ on their plantations married men, as millwrights, masons, smiths, &c. Though the law requires a given proportion of whites on each estate, the above injurious practice multi- plies a coloured population beyond all the bounds of prudence ; for the “ coloured people,” aware of their numerical strength, and deeply conscious of their degraded condition, are at all times ripe for rebellion. It is indeed most astonishing to witness the mistaken policy of the white inhabitants to- wards the mulattoes, whose numbers must increase under the wisest regulations; but whose distinctions of colour ought to be lost sight of, as soon as pos- sible. By a fatal inconsistency, however they first take great care to foster their coloured children ; and then discountenance or discard them when adults! The father seems ashamed to acknow- ledge in public the son whom he has educated with tenderness under the paternal roof. The son, thus abandoned, becomes a prey to profligacy, dissipation, or despondency. The condition of a coloured man in Kingston, Jamaica, is truly deplo- rable. With an education frequently liberal, and a mind enlightened, he is debarred the society of his relatives, and that of the whites in general. The females of his own colour despise, and will 172 rarely condescend to live with him, much less to marry him, until deserted by some white protec- tor. He is therefore compelled to seek a partner among the negroes, and his progeny thus revert to their original shade, weakening the white, and strengthening the black, interests. But as a con- stitutional remedy cannot be applied to this grow- ing evil, it is hoped the dictates of humanity and sound policy will overcome this puerile pi'ide of the white inhabitants, and induce them to admit the Mestees to all the privileges and all the re- spect claimed by themselves. — The abolition of the slave trade, by stopping the supply of negroes, naturally creates a necessity for an increase of the white population, which the articles of commerce alluded to will tend to produce, by operating in favour of the middle rank of planters, that class of white inhabitants who constitute the principal strength of the islands; and thus the great pro- portion of waste land that now exists, might in time be peopled by those who would prove ex- tensive consumers of the manufactures of Bri- tain, and the produce of the provinces; while they in return supplied both with a greater abun- dance of luxuries. In a former chapter was shown the necessity of 173 a regular importation of flour, and the mode by which provisions might be raised, provided due no- tice were given. We now observe that, although under the circumstances there mentioned, the measure would be highly expedient, yet it is not calculated for a permanent system. The object of West India establishments, is to raise crops of great value, which cannot be obtained with the same facility elsewhere. The cultivation of pro- visions is, therefore, a minor consideration ; and the whole of the estate should be devoted to the pro- duction of the staple. A diminished crop not only lessens the Freight,' and diminishes the duties of the mother country, but also the income of the pro- prietor, whose purchases of British goods must de- crease in proportion. These incontrovertible po- sitions have been insisted on by the advocates of free trade with America; who have thence con- cluded that it would be injurious to prohibit A- merican supplies. We have already shown the ability of the northern provinces to answer this demand, and now direct the attention of the country to a remedy against even a partial incon- venience, arising from the experiment. Instead of reserving one island, sufficiently to 174 windward for the purpose of growing provisions for the consumption of the rest, at the commence- ment of the West India colonial establishment, expensive measures were adopted, for the pur- pose of drawing from comparatively small tracts of land, immense supplies of rich staples, by the employment of numerous negroes. But this error must now be corrected; and Trinidad appears favourably situated for becoming a granary to the other islands. With a soil eminently fertile, it possesses the advantage of large portions yet unap- propriated, and a situation adapted to the speedy transportation of its produce, as well to Jamaica as to the other islands. It is therefore advisable that a colony be settled there, subject to the same regulations as the northern provinces; solely for the purpose of establishing farms, and cultivating the different kinds of grain, pulse, and ground provisions. Settlements of this kind are not ex- pensive: there is no need of boiling-houses, still- houses, barbicues or mills, all necessary for planta- tions. The poor man must first be contented with a hut: then a loghouse and farm, depending for support entirely on his labour. Cura5oa consti- tutes an epitome of what Trinidad ought to be, namely, a colony of farmers; and if suitable en- 175 couragements were held out, numbers would emi- grate thence, not only from Britain, but from Bar- badoes, and other parts of the West Indies. Should this measure be objected to, as involving the certain destruction of great numbers of the settlers, I add, that this is by no means true to the extent supposed; for it is rather the pride of white men that urges them to employ negro labour, than any positive inability to work themselves. There are in Barbadoes, numerous descendants of the original settlers, who labour in the field as their fathers did before them, and who appear hardier and more healthy than any other men. It was the facility with which negroes were pro- cured, and the prevalence of example, that nou- rished the opinion of the impossibility of a white man’s supporting the fatigues of agriculture. Prejudice alone clogs the white man’s industry, as will appear from the well known fact, that robust able-bodied Barbadiens will peremptorily refuse to labour in the field, alleging as a reason, that it would be a disgrace to work like a “ negar /’ though they have no objection to trudge to Bridge- town, with a load of one or two hundred weight on their head. If it be again objected, that the labouring men are Creoles, inured to the climate 176 from their birth, we admit the fact; yet there are in Surinam many native Hollanders and Ger- mans, who themselves labour, and yet preserve health. In short, the Author is persuaded that, provided the settlers did not expose themselves too much in the heat of the day, there would be nothing to fear. The causes which produce the death of so many soldiers and sailors, are intem- perance, and imprudent changes from heat to cold: one moment they labour and perspire; then they drink, and, sleeping in the open air all night, in the morning are seized with a fever which carries them off. By this establishment, the West India planters might obtain constant and regular supplies; while in the common course of West Indian agriculture, especially on the plan of the Windward Islands, no inconsiderable quantity of provisions might be raised without injury to the growing crops. Plan- tains would yield a very beneficial shade both to young cotton trees and coffee; for which purposes they are in general planted in Berbice. Beans, bona vis, &c. would shade tobacco, and come off in time for the cotton crop, See. Thus, then, partly by what the plantations would raise, and 177 the island of Trinidad supply, (which supplies might be got weekly if the weather permitted,) the greatest plenty would prevail, and larger quan- tities of the staple commodities might be planted. It this were once effected, American embargoes and w r ars would never be felt. It is worthy of remark too, that hurricanes are less prevalent in Trinidad, than in other parts of the West Indies, thus affording additional security; and in ordinary times, the supply of flour from the northern pro- vinces would, with these helps, be superabundant; while in the regular course of the farm, the new settlers would of course raise cattle, as well as pro- visions, for which the climate is very congenial, as they thrive amazingly, both there, and on the Spanish main. In Guiana, cattle are reared of the finest breed, particularly on some farms on the river Corantain, in Demerary. These, with the supplies from Jamaica, Porto Rico, and the northern provinces, would prove more than suffi- cient for any demand. An attempt was made some years since, to prove the practicability of cultivating Trinidad without slaves, by planting a colony of Chinese; but though the idea was good, the effect did not correspond a a 178 to the wishes of the projectors, owing to the cir- cumstance of a sufficient number of women not being provided; for though they produced some admirable specimens of cultivation, yet the temp- tations to a more indolent mode of life prevailed on a bodv of men who had no wives or children - f to prompt them to industrious habits. But a large colony of free Chinese, consisting both of women and men, would be eminently useful in the promotion of the scheme here suggested, if only as hired labourers; and the example of their extreme neatness in farming, would produce a laudable emulation in the Whites. The hints now suggested, may be acted upon to an amazing ex- tent. Let the business be once engaged in, from a conviction of its necessity, and the beneficial re- sult will exceed the most sanguine expectation. To give greater efficiency to such a system, a revisal of some custom-house regulations is neces- sary. Vexatious restraints on the importation of trifling articles, such as conserves and preserves, injure and disgust the Creoles, without benefiting the mother-country in any adequate degree. Any person wishing to send to his friends in Britain, a jar of tamarinds, or Guava jelly, is deterred by 3 179 the circumstance that the duties and fees on im- portation, would actually amount to more than the like quantity might be purchased for, in the shops of London: the large quantity imported for sale, and the smallest jar, being subject to nearly the same rates. The Author has heard this griev- ance loudly complained of, in all parts of the West Indies: and although this circumstance may appear trifling, it is a fair sample of many others, apparently as much so, but which forcibly operate against the increase of a middle class of Whites, whose encouragement government should by all means strive to promote. Many ladies, and these frequently aged, desti- tute of relations or friends, and every way objects of our commiseration, have been accustomed to support themselves by the aid of two or three fe- male negroes, whom they employ in making bread; while others purchase boxes of candles, soap, with various haberdashery articles &c. which the wo- men retail in the 'streets : others make confec- tions and preserves for home consumption or ex- portation. Now, as from various causes, particular- ly the frequent reduction of the large estates ow- ing to the want of due supplies of negroes, this 180 class of persons must increase, it would be humane in the British legislature to amend the custom- house regulations in question; permitting the com- mon sailors, each to import into this country any quantity, not exceeding half a hundred weight, of the various West-India preserves, duty free ; also mates one, and masters of vessels two hundred weight, on the same terms. They should likewise allow all presents not exceeding half a hundred weight to be sent to their destination free of any expense, except fi’eight. Trifling as these things may seem, they would be peculiarly gratifying to the Creoles, and tend much to conciliate their af- fections ; and the benefits resulting therefrom Would be very great, since if sailors were permitted to import, they would purchase vast quantities of these articles, and thus encourage those to do- mestic industry who have no other resources. The financial loss arising from this indulgence would be but trifling; we should gain by the mea- sure in many respects, particularly by the promo- tion of marriage among the poorer class of Whites, by opening a field for their industry, without de- pending upon the labour of negroes. And it is no inconsiderable advantage to the West Indies, in 181 their present situation, to promote such callings as may support white men without the agency of slaves, who are or may be difficult to obtain; while every respectable white family is an addi- tional prop to the stability of the colonies and the empire; for the greater the sum of affluence and industry introduced, the greater must be the con- sumption of British manufacture. Thus what was sacrificed in one instance, would be gained in ano- ther ; and by thus increasing the fair prospect of white families, the number of white men would increase, and those false maxims and injurious practices now prevailing in our colonies would greatly diminish. The British subject always con- siders himself in the West Indies, as a transient person, whose business it is to make money, and depart to his native country. To marry frequent- ly is difficult, and he is caught by the contagious libertinism of others in a like situation : hence a coloured connection is formed, and a coloured progeny arises. This system has a baneful effect on the islands : the improvement of the towns is checked ; and accordingly those in the British co- lonies are paltry and mean when compared to towns in foreign settlements, whose inhabitants are resi- dents for life, and consequently endeavour to make 182 their residences as commodious and splendid as pos- sible. But if the majority of those who go out to the West Indies, with the view of accumulating wealth, and then returning to their native country to en- joy it, really succeeded, the advantage would then rest with the mother country ; but the con- trary is manifestly the fact. Resorting to taverns and brothels, or keeping coloured girls, the end is defeated, and the white man ruined ! He drags out a useless existence, and frequently ends his days in poverty, without at all contributing to the national wealth. That miserable race of beings, known in Jamaica by the opprobrious negro-epi- thet of “ Walk and Nyam Buchras,” or white men who only walk and eat, afford a striking example of this truth. These abject wretches are for the most part those who once were indus- trious, and, descended from good families, had the fairest prospects opened before them, either as merchants’ clerks, or book-keepers on some plan- tation. Nothing was wanting to make them valua- ble members of society, but the presence of rela- tives, honourable connexions, and the dread of censure. Solitary, and in a strange country, when a young man arrives in the West Indies, he knows not how to employ his leisure time, and looks in 183 vain for those innocent amusements which he has left. The climate disposes him to sensuality: he enters loose company; is soon ridiculed out of those virtuous principles in which he was educated, or which he may subsequently have imbibed; and feeling a high flow of spirits, he rushes amidst the pleasures of voluptuousness, to the very ex- treme of libertinism. By these means he de- scends with rapidity to the lowest point of degrad- ed existence, and meanly condescends to subsist as an absolute pauper. Rambling over the island, he abuses the hospitality of the planters, by beg- ging food of one, a bed of another, and of a third the loan of a horse to ride to the next plantation. If the planter spurns him from his door, he goes to the negro-yard to beg from them; and if any charitable person procures him clothes to cover his half-naked body, he will immediately purchase with them a night’s lodging in the hut of some negro-girl: in short he will do any thing but work. By what then can a better state of things be introduced, and these exhibitions of depravity pre- vented or alleviated? By nothing so effectually as by an increase of the staple commodities, to in- duce the Europeans to marry, and settle in the 184 islands, instead of merely visiting them, and then returning home: and if the legislature of the dif- ferent colonies were to impose a tax on non-resi- dent free holders, it would operate in the promo- tion of internal improvements. Too much atten- tion cannot be paid to these valuable possessions; and it is matter of deep regret that they should be held by so precarious a tenure as that of the in- fluence of terror on the minds of the coloured men and negroes. But when the West Indies shall have obtained this requisite attention, and are properly stocked with white families, the stag- nation of trade so lamentably experienced by this country, should it again take place, will not be so severely felt. The surplus produce will at all times force its way into the United States and the European continent, giving the Creoles the means of purchasing our merchandise, even in time of war. It is therefore ardently hoped, that the exertions of Britain to improve these distant dependencies will be proportionate to the exi- gences of the times, and the value she has at stake. 185 CHAP. XXII. STRICTURES ON THE TREATY OF GHENT. — ITS FOLLY EXPOSED, AND THE EVILS WITH WHICH IT IS PREGNANT EXHIBITED. There has never been a state paper of such vast importance to this country, as the Treaty of Ghent. It will be proper therefore, to devote a chapter to a review of what may be justly termed one of the most unfortunate acts of diplomacy in which Great Britain ever engaged. When the hostile incursions of the Americans into Canada furnished a practical illustration of the necessity of changing the frontier, in order to maintain its secure enjoyment of tranquillity, many persons confidently expected that Britain, having closed her European contest, would have immediately directed her principal disposable force towards that point, and attempted at least to reduce some of the enemy’s settlements on the Lakes; and in the event of peace, insist on the b b 186 cession of the whole opposite coast. These hopes, almost universal, cheered the Upper Canadians, am id the terrors and desolations of war, animating them to a vigorous resistance, at a period when the small number of regular troops caused the duty of defending the frontier to devolve chiefly on the militia. But peace has been proclaimed, and such a peace, the Author does not scruple to assert, as may prove to be a death-warrant to the British nation. One more pernicious was never made: it not only contains the seeds of future war, but is altogether incompatible with the true interests of the mother country and her dependencies. Instead therefore of congratulating the country on the event, as many through igno- rance or mistaken opinions have done, he most decidedly affirms, that perpetual war with America should have been preferred, and that she has even triumphed more by negotiations than by her arms. This country is by that event cajoled of the right and power to secure from invasion, pro- vinces of incalculable value; the naturally strong situation of Canada is rendered of little avail; while, together with the Indian tribes on Lake Superior, she is left to the mercy of an inveterate enemy, who is growing stronger every day: and 3 187 if Canada fall in a future contest, the British na- tion must attach the blame entirely to the blind- ness and negligence equally conspicuous in the conduct of the late war, and in yielding to the enemy’s politics in concluding a treaty of peace. Our power and resources should have been fully exerted, until the enemy, unable to prolong the contest, consented to sue for peace, offering to deliver into the victor’s hands, indemnity for the past, and pledges of security for the future. But the golden opportunity has been thrown away, of forcing our inveterate enemy to make those sacri- fices and concessions, which would have taught her a severe but just lesson of humility. It is unfortunately too easy to analyze the causes that operated to produce this baneful treaty. It is evident that not only the nation at large, but its rulers in particular, are void of perception, as to the real character of the Americans! Principles of humanity and forbearance, arising from mis- taken feelings of consanguinity, have repressed our military ardour throughout the late war. The same generous motives have also guided the councils of the nation in the conclusion of peace: and while the Author would applaud the motives 188 that induced the measures which he now exe- crates, he cannot but lament the fatal blindness, not only of ministers, but of the whole British community, and would wish to apply to their vision, the collyrium of provincial politics. Let this country learn her true interests from loyal adherents, possessing the local information which the country itself really wants. Let those who have studied the American character, and expe- rienced the necessity there is for the most wakeful vigilance in all dealings with the states, commu- nicate information to Britain; and instead of re- clining in security, let her be prepared for a re- newal of the contest. America will be so elated, as to assume in future a more lofty tone, and from a conviction of her imagined superiority, force a quarrel on the slightest grounds. The proposition stated by Mr Madison in his declara- tion of war, that, “ a nation jealous of its rights , and conscious of its strength , has no alternative but to exert the one in defence of the other,” was at that time deserted from by the Federalists, who much doubted this “ conscious strength,” and asserted that their sea-ports, and whole line of coast, had no dependence but on British cle- mency and magnanimity. But in consequence v 189 of continued trains of brilliant exploits having in some measure concealed the national weakness, vanity will overcome their better judgment; they will conceive the idea of having compelled Britain to sign this peace, and hence a conviction of the power to declare war, combined with the desire of further establishing the national character, which has already gained so much, will make hostilities popular, even with the Federal party. And after preparing means of defence and aggres- sion, to which it will apply itself with the utmost promptitude, the republic will rather court than decline a war: ambition being a most predominant feature in the American character, in no respect qualified by any principle of morality, or regard for the law of nations. The dangerous and destructive principles of French policy are well understood, and suitable precautions are adopted. When Buonaparte’s ambition was apparent, the allies declared they could not treat with him, nor with any of his family. * And if no peace with him could be regarded as permanent, so, by parity of reason, * This has received another, and triumphant, exemplification in the conduct of Great Britain since Buonaparte’s return from Elba. 190 must that just concluded with the United States, be received in the same light. For as the demo- cratic government is notoriously influenced by Buonapartean politics, * and as it has for the sole purpose of serving him, declared one war, under every symptom of rashness and presumption, un- provided with funds, with a dubious, defective, and untried force, do these circumstances give us reason to expect greater sincerity, more pru- dence, and love of concord, for the future? more especially, as the objects of the government have been advanced, hostile experiments suc- cessfully made, even war itself rendered instru- mental in the promotion of native manufactures, and the nation elated with victory? What bond of security then, and of lasting-amity, can there be in the treaty which has been recently concluded? But should the peace be defended on the ground of manufacturing and commercial advantage, let those who contemplated such a result, consider the hostile measures of the American government, who as soon as peace was proclaimed, imposed a new tariff of duties on foreign merchandise and manufactures, which doubles those previously ex- * The National Intelligencer did not scruple openly to express its exultation at Buonaparte’s return. 191 isting, and amounts almost to a total prohibition of importation. This law is, it seems, to continue in force two years from that period: why then should peace be solicited for the sake of com- merce, when that commerce cannot be obtained on any equitable footing? With regard to commissioners, is it not sur- prising that this country could not appoint men thoroughly acquainted with American affairs? No doubt Lord Gambier, and his worthy coadjutors, acted from the dictates of honour and benevolence; but were they competent to the task of negotiat- ing with such shrewd, not to say subtle men, as Bayard and Galatin? for as in the treaty of 1783 , so in the present instance, the British delegates have been foiled by American sophistry. It is much to be regretted that some native of the pro- vinces, was not added to the list of British nego- tiators, as many gentlemen of superior talents, might have been readily obtained from either of the colonies. * Our interests would then have * Many judicious Essays on the subject appeared in the Montreal, Halifax, and St. John’s Newspapers. In the former particularly, the exact line of conduct government should have adopted, was clearly laid down, and produced some very angry comments from the United States. 192 been ascertained, and as certainly defended. The Author feels assured, that ignorance, and not conscious weakness, swayed our councils in the signature of the treaty. The spirit of that part of it at least, which relates to the boundaries, is founded on the American claims, established by the treaty of 1783. The arrangements made on the late occasion, relate to surveying this frontier, and ascertaining with precision, its exact geographical limits, in order to prevent disputes in future. In ordinary cases this would be just and equitable on both sides; but it must be recollected, that although disputes had arisen on this subject, it was not even a collateral cause of the war: on the contrary, the United States com- menced hostilities for the real, though concealed, purpose of wresting Canada from Great Britain altogether. It was this circumstance alone that produced the war vote in congress; and therefore sanctioned a departure from terms of reciprocity, and the enforcement of measures necessary to the security and repose of those provinces, against which the enemy’s force was directed. The ostensible motives assigned by the American go- vernment for the declaration of war, such as the establishment of sailors’ rights and a free trade, &c. 193 were rather political engines, employed to gain popularity, than real causes of hostility. Subjects calculated to inflame the public mind were forced into notice, and commented on with the utmost malignity and virulence; false statements, and even palpable absurdities, were assiduously pro- pagated, both by newspapers, and various other means; and it is a fact, worthy the serious consi- deration of Britons, because it develops in some measure, the deadly rancour of the ruling party, and the dangerous principles of American policy, that these injurious comments and assertions were intended to shake the loyally of British seamen , whom they designedly hold up, as being at present no better than degraded slaves. Is it not then surprising, that the litigated questions have not been set at rest by an express article in the treaty, where not a word is said re- specting the right of search and impressment, points which affect the vital interests of Britain, and that ought to have been made the basis of the whole; while some objects of comparatively insignificant importance, are carefully inserted! Is it under- stood, that a secret article of the treaty exists, by which the above questions are decided? If so, all c c 194 may be well : but if the questions are waved, gene- rally and verbally, by the respective plenipotentia- ries, without a written document, what pledge can this country have from such vague proceedings, that they will not again disturb the repose of both nations? It may be asked, was this a subject proper for the decision of a friendly power? — such a measure being contemplated by the Americans prior to the appointment of commissioners, with assurance of an issue favourable to the States, since it was well known there existed not one friendly power, who in this particular was not biassed against Great Britain. In this it appears American policy was foiled; but the adverse decision of an umpire, would hardly have had a worse effect than the adopted mode of tacit connivance, or mutual eva- sion. And notwithstanding what may have been pretended by the American plenipotentiaries, many are clearly of opinion, that the old ground will be again taken by the people of the States; and that by omitting to make the decision of the contested rights a prominent article in the treaty of Ghent, this country has given America an opportunity to insinuate, that these indisputably belong to her. 2 195 This opinion will be fostered with care, till the smothered flame rekindles, and flags bearing po- litical mottos are again displayed on the ocean. The complexion of the late events in France, particularly the appointment of the immaculate Lucien Buonaparte as minister of the interior, might almost lead to the conclusion, that Mr Pre- sident might have been also in the secret before it was developed : and perhaps it may never have been understood in Great Britain, that the war recently terminated with America, was determined on some time before it was actually declared, by Messrs Buonaparte and Madison. For the Ameri- can Charge d y Affairs in Paris, is said to have hint- ed in company, some time before war was declared, that it would take place on a certain day. This being received with surprise by those present, he laid a bet to confirm the assertion : inquiry was made, and the time found to correspond exactly. This circumstance being developed, the affair became a matter of considerable notoriety in America. We should therefore not be sanguine in our expectations of a lasting peace. The mercantile 196 part of the American community may in some respects be tired of war, but the government is not, because it suits the purposes of state. There is in Republican America, as well as in other countries, an Arcanum locked up in the cabinet. War inures tbe people to taxation; reconciles them to standing armies, and provides employ- ment for a host of needy locusts, who swarm in the country. In short, a government feeling an interest separate from that of the nation , may well be supposed capable of declaring war, when the vast increase of the national debt enables it to keep its seat more securely. Let us therefore be on our guard, and employ the labours of the soldiery, agreeably to the system laid down in a former chapter. If this measure be adopted, the interests both of the provinces and mother country may yet be promoted, and the evil tendency of this disastrous peace in some degree mitigated. We now proceed to examine the Canadian frontier, most exposed to the ill effects of this degrading treaty. The Americans well knew the advantages they possessed, improved the oppor- tunity, and established numerous settlements, at points most calculated to annoy the British, in 197 case of war. Detroit, Ogdensbourgh, Sackets Harbour, Oswego, Plattsburgh, Blackrock, and Buffalo, all attracted notice during the late con- test ; and the advantages which the enemy gain- ed over our fleets, may be primarily attributed to their possessing those places. But there are many other important out-posts, which have as yet re- mained unnoticed, affording the Americans either peculiar facilities for aggression, or for the main- tenance of a superior navy on the Lakes and waters of Canada. Cape St. Vincent, situated at the debouchure of Lake Ontario, threatens to cut off the communications between that lake and the river St. Laurence. Kingston Ferry, in its vi- cinity, Chaumont, Brownville, Waterton, Hen- derson, Ellisborough, and Mexico, all near the mouth of the lake, may be powerfully employed for the same purpose. Michillimackinac, in the narrows between Lakes Huron and Michigan, equally guards both, and prevents all communica- tion from one to the other. Fort St. Joseph, on the river of the same name, which flows into Lake Michigan, affords security for the building of ves- sels; Miami Bay, Sandusky, and Cunningham Is- lands, with several capes along the streights of Erie, obstruct the passage from Lake St Clair to Lake ■ 198 Erie. The Miami river, flowing through India- na, gives facility to an irruption from that part of the United States territory given to the soldiery. Detroit is well situated, either to command Lake St Clair, and the water communications between that lake and Erie, or to make an incursion into Essex, against the posts of Sandwich, Amherst- burgh, and Malden ; and Fort St. Clair com- mands the river of that name, running from Lake St. Clair to Lake Huron. In the river St. Law- rence, abundance of stations, either are or may be taken up, for the purpose of destroying the small craft employed thereon, and cutting off all communication between Montreal and the Upper Province, St. Regis, Massena, Louisville, Madrid, Ogdensbourgh, Morriston, Oswegatche, and Alexandria, with several islands affording ei- ther strong military positions, or posts of annoy- ance. On Lake Champlain, are Champlain to guard the entrance, Plattsburgh, Peru, Willsborough, Crown Point, Ticonderago, Skeensborough, Fair- haven, Benson, Orwell, Bridport, Burlington, &c. while the British have only, to defend the wa- ter communication, Forts Chambly and William 199 Henry; the former about midway, the latter at the confluence with the St. Lawrence. On an attentive perusal of the above summary, and examination of the map, it will be clearly seen, that Canada can never be really safe, while the United States possess these frontiers, founded on the treaty of 1783, and guaranteed by the late disgraceful one at Ghent, it will also be appa- rent, that the American territories of Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana, are most advantageously situated to command Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, and Erie; while Lake Ontario, and the river St. Lawrence running from thence three parts of the way to Montreal, are completely lined with settlements and ports which tempt the enemy to make incursions, and render it almost impossible, in the present state of the two fron- tiers, to guard sufficiently against them. It would be easy for an enemy, holding Sackets Harbour, Ogdensbourgh, and St. Regis, to descend upon Montreal; but to send a reinforcement up the river, from Montreal to Kingston, would be a work of great labour and difficulty. The evils of this were severely felt several times during the late war. Again, the falls of Niagara intercept the' 200 water communication between Montreal and Lakes Erie, Huron, and the adjoining districts, which must ever be disturbed in time of war; for while the Ohio and Michigan territories are on their flank, and hostile fleets scour the Lakes, what pros- pect have these fertile regions of ever rising in im- portance, so long as the enemy can direct all his force against them, without their being able to obtain reinforcements from Kingston, or Mon- treal, except very slowly? Hence a British army stationed there might be soon outnumbered, and defeated before any succour could ar rive; and, pro- vided the enemy commanded Lake Ontario, even that would be entirely precluded. Thus the Americans could invade at several points, while at present the British would be able to reinforce only at one, and even that a very precarious one. Supposing the above mentioned district, included in the angle between Lakes Ontario, Erie, and Huron to be perfectly cleared , and the towns of London and Oxford populous and extensive, there would be no security for them, so long as America commanded the Lakes: for a combined movement might be made on them from the four different points, of Burlington Bay, in Lake Ontario, Otter Creek, in Lake Erie, the river Thames, in Lake St. Clair, and the Riviere Du Sable, in Lake Huron. Such a movement, if well conducted, would succeed like Generals Am- herst, Prideaux, and Wolfe’s celebrated expedi- tion against the provinces. May not Canada then complain with justice, that her interests not being understood, have been sacrificed, by permitting the means of desolating her most fertile districts to remain in the power of her enemies, who, if their boast be accom- plished, will keep the mastery of the lakes? — in which case, they will at all times have access to the lower provinces, unless large fleets and nume- rous forts are built and maintained at a great ex- pense; the supposition of which most essentially establishes the validity of the advice respecting colonization, given in a former chapter of this work. America will never lose sight of her favourite object, the reduction of Canada, however it may be concealed. As well might Britain imagine that Buonaparte would abandon the desire of conquer- ing her, as that the States will relinquish the idea of possessing Canada. And as the various points d d 202 of aggression are guaranteed to her as heretofore, and ambition is still suffered to retain its grand incentive to hostility, it may be asked, where is the humanity of the treaty of Ghent? By protract- ing the contest a little longer, the desired con- cessions would have been obtained, without the further effusion of blood, besides an immense an- nual expenditure saved. Whatever may have been the motives that in- duced the British plenipotentiaries at Ghent, to ratify the treaty of J 783, and amuse themselves and the Americans with proofs of a scrupu- lous regard to the laws of nations, they were very ill-timed. If the attack on Copenhagen is vindi- cated on the plea of necessity, surely a departure from the precepts of the civilian would have been justifiable in the pacific negotiations with Ameri- ca. Denmark was at peace j the United States at war with us, and for the real purpose of pos- sessing Canada. Her finances were inadequate to prolong the struggle, and Britain should have ex- torted the cession of a line of demarcation, neces- sary to the security of that country, against which the force of the enemy had been directed. If she had not obtained the whole line of coast along the 3 203 lakes, the principal posts, such as Oswego, Sac- hets Harbour, Detroit, and Buffalo, should have been insisted on peremptorily ; while by express stipulation, the enemy should have been deprived altogether of having a fleet on the lakes, or limited as to the force and number of their ships. At the same time, they might have continued to enjoy an uninterrupted commerce, and to have covered the lakes with peaceable craft as before, though it would have been wiser, and ultimate- ly more humane, to shut them out entirely from any participation in the benefits arising from trade on the lakes; since they converted what were intended as peaceable depots of commerce, into military and naval stations. If the enemy had refused to treat on such dis- advantageous terms, (which I am scarcely afraid of had the British plenipotentiaries insisted on them as an ultimatum ) Britain should have changed the aspect of the war on the Canadian frontier, from defensive into the offensive, and attacked each of the strong holds with an over- whelming force, which would have ensured suc- cess by making resistance useless. 204 As things now stand, this country must build a large fleet immediately, on the Lakes Ontario, Erie, and Huron; and not yield to the Ameri- cans in exertion, who will strain every nerve to establish a superior force, and who construct their ships with surprising rapidity. Should we suc- ceed in the superiority of ships, equal exertions should be made to furnish them with men. It was proved by Sir G. Prevost’s general order, that there were only fifty British seamen on board the fleet defeated by the Americans on Lake Erie; the remainder were British soldiers, Cana- dian militia men, and peasantry, who had to con- tend against one thousand picked American sea- men, sent for the express purpose of manning the hostile fleet. The principal posts should have been obtained either by treaty or force of arms, as points, whose possession would have placed in our hands those facilities for an invasion of the States, which would be calculated to overawe and deter them from again disturbing our repose. In particular, the following should all have been secured: Os- wego, which commands the routes to New York, 205 by Liverpool, Albany, or Onandago, Oxford, Ro- chester, and Hudsons river ; * to Philadelphia, by Onandago, Jericho, Harmony, Stockport, and the river Delaware; and to Baltimore, by Salina, Port-Watson, Troga-Point, and the Susquehana river. Crown Point and Ticonderago, are keys to New York, by the route of Sandy Hill, Green- wich, Waterford, and Hudsons river. Skeensbo- rough also is the key to the great road on the eastern bank of Hudsons river, leading to New York. The inhabitants of the provinces, aware of the above circumstances, and knowing the im- portance of Oswego, anxiously expected that a large force would have been directed against it, that its reduction might have been secured. No doubt there must have been cogent reasons for not making the attempt : these are mysteries not to be explored by vulgar eyes ; but certainly consi- derable disappointment and discontent prevailed in the provinces in consequence. But Sackets Harbour is still of greater import- ance than either of the afore-mentioned places. Its convenience as a naval station has been fully * This river, besides being navigable, has good roads along each bank. proved by America; while its fatal efficacy, in blockading the entrance to Lake Ontario from the river St. Lawrence has been most painfully expe- rienced by us. With this peculiar fitness for of- fensive operations, it is likewise a key to New York by Harrisburgh, Leyden, and thence either by Trenton, Utica, and the Mohawk river; or else by Renesen, Johnstown, Waterford, and the Hudsons river. Such is the line of frontier op- posed to the British settlements; and it can never be sufficiently regretted, that the Treaty of Ghent guarantees the full possession of these to the United States. Was it supposed that such “ per- fect reciprocity” would conciliate the affection of the Americans, or convince them that Britain de- sired peace from motives of humanity? Such con- ceptions may exist in an English cabinet, but they are not suitable to a Transatlantic climate. The same misguided policy, of adhering to the principles of justice and liberality, instead of as- suming an authoritative tone of resentment, which induced this country to guarantee the integrity of the American frontier, and of causing the lines to be accurately surveyed, doubtless prompted the British plenipotentiaries to accede to the apparent- 207 ly fair proposal of referring the contested islands * in the Bay of Passamaquoddy to arbitration. Those islands being well situated for annihilating the trade of St. Johns, New Brunswick, are objects of eager desire to the United States, though only of use to them as nests for privateers and smugglers. But mark the crafty policy with which it is con- cealed. Assuming an air of indifference, “ We have,” we may suppose them to say, “ gained several important points already ; if too great stress be laid on these islands, we shall betray ourselves, alarm the opposite party, and perhaps by break- ing off the negotiation, defeat our object al- together : but by proposing to refer such trifles to the decision of umpires, we shall gain our ends; taking special care to select for ourselves, those men who will resolutely stand out, and stop at nothing to suit their purpose, men to whom an oath is of no consequence. The British, on the con- trary, in pure good faith, will choose honest, liberal men, not perhaps renowned for uncommon sagaci- ty, whom we can model to our own satisfaction, and hoodwink so as to make them declare, that the islands belong to the United States j and when * Grand Manan, Campo Bello, Wolf Island, Deer Island, Moose Island, besides a great number of small islands or rocks. \ 208 that decision is once made, we can laugh at their simplicity.” But it is most earnestly hoped, tha'fc these gentlemen may be outwitted, by the appoint- ment of umpires on our part, who are as shrewd and resolute as their opponents ; and who, if they enter fully into the merits of the case, will appre- ciate the value of the islands in question, and com- pletely unmask the real views of the adverse party. But should the contested property be most clearly ascertained to belong to Britain, a decision in her favour may prove the cause of future hostili- ties, so tenacious are the Americans of their claims. Besides these, there are many islands in the river St. Lawrence, and the several lakes, to come un- der the cognizance of the arbitrators : such are Wolfe Island, at the mouth of Lake Ontario ; Grand Isle, in the river Niagara ; Pele, Cunning- ham, and Sandusky Islands, in Lake Erie ; Gross, Turkey, Peach, and Hog Islands, in the water communication between Lakes Erie and St. Clair; a considerable number in Lake Huron, particular- ly Michillimackinac Isle and Fort, which com- mands Lake Michigan. This important post is as valuable to the United States, as the islands in 209 Passamaquoddy Bay are to Great Britain : since, if the latter holds Fort Michillimackinac, the passage of the Americans from Lake Michigan to Lake Huron is totally interrupted. It would there- fore have been good policy to secure that post as a fair equivalent for Moose Island, &c., instead of which it is agreed, if any disputes arise, that some friendly power shall decide the difference ; in which case, an unfavourable result must be ex- pected, for the interest of the provinces will not then be better understood than in the arrangement of the treaty of Ghent. From a review of the premises advanced, a just conclusion may be drawn, that the present peace is not founded on terms of such perfect reciprocity as has been represented. It is most decidedly ad- verse to Great Britain, since the rival nation en- joys all the credit, and profit too. — This treaty moreover declares to the world, that any nation who chooses to insult us, may hope to do it with impunity. It has left our provinces in the same defenceless state it found them : what few advan- tages were gained, are to be given up. And it has given the Americans the opportunity of placing themselves in a more imposing attitude in future. e e 210 Under all the circumstances in which it now stands, this country should take wise precau- tions, by strengthening the Canadian frontier, many of whose strong points should be immediately fortified, such as Long Point, or North Foreland, Point, Pele, or South Foreland, and Landguard Point in Lake Erie ; Nicholas Island, St. Peter's Head, Amherst Island, Burlington Point, and Gib- raltar Point, in Lake Ontario. Colonization must proceed with great rapidity, as this country may be soon at war again with the States, when few emi- grants would choose to embark, in the immediate prospect of fighting the enemy. But if, on the contrary, peace is destined to continue, it will be better to prosecute the colonial system, that the improvements of the Canadian frontier may at least keep pace with those of the United States. And if there would have been a necessity for an unusually vigorous system, in the event of their having obtained an extension of territory, an equal necessity exists in present circumstances. Great objections are anticipated to a system which will not only put the nation to great expense, but draw away so many of the people at a time when their 3 211 services as soldiers, &c. * may probably be wanted at home. This would have weight, were American affairs of minor importance ; but as the contrary is the fact, they are not to be slighted any longer, without subjecting this country to danger : and unless some steps are also taken to renovate trade and manufactures, her situation will be truly la- mentable. If Britain lose Canada, the loss of the West Indies must inevitably follow ; and the ruin of her navy will succeed. But if she well people, and there- by strengthen, Canada, the West Indies will also increase in population; and wealth will reanimate the drooping commerce of the realm in general. And with proper restrictions on the American fisheries, the provinces may yet bear up for a short time without feeling the direful effects of the trea- ty of Ghent. However, if America should think proper again to declare war, the British nation is faithfully exhorted not to conduct another contest on the principles by which the last was regulated; and not again to make peace, until she can coerce the enemy into an abandonment of the whole line * The want of Soldiers does not now exist. from St. Regis in the river St. Lawrence to the Lake of the Woods ; including also Lake Michi- gan, and the Michigan territory, and insisting on the Americans retiring from the waters of the rivers and lakes a few miles into the interior. All that portion too of the district of Maine, extend- ing from the Grand Lake, or Chapeneticook, in New Brunswick, in a straight line, to the river Chaudiere in Lower Canada, ought also to be secur- ed : or, if thought more advisable, a straight line may be drawn from the confluence of the rivers Piscatagnis and Penobscot in Maine, to the same river Chaudiere, and down the Penobscot to Cas- tine, continuing it out at sea to the Isle Haute. This woidd include an important coast well stor- ed with islands and harbours, notorious in the late war, as the refuge of privateers, from the British cruizers, but which might be converted to the most valuable purposes. 213 CHAP. XXIII. CONCLUSION. On a review of what has been advanced, it will appear that the United States are attempting to rival Great Britain in manufactures ; and that they entertain ambitious projects for the purpose of effecting her final overthrow: — That Americans in general are hostile to this coun try ; and that the Federalists in particular, if in power, would be more formidable opponents than the present ruling faction, since they are more prudent in their councils, consistent and weighty in their resent- ment, active in hostility, and possessing the great- est share of wealth : — That the present state of American manufactures demands peculiar jealousy and vigilance on our part : — That America has risen to her present dangerous elevation in conse- quence of the troubles which have distracted Eu* rope, and the impolitic connivance of Great Bri- tain: — That since she has thrown aside the mask, and displayed her latent animosity, by a rash and 214 premature declaration of war, it is become the duty of Britons to study the enemy’s character, and exert all their energies to counteract this dan- gerous competition: — That this country has abun- dant resources, if properly called into action, and that by wise plans of colonization, new markets may be opened when American ports shall be closed against our manufactures : — That the colonies in North America are fully competent to supply the West Indies with lumber and provisions : — That those colonies are barriers to the nation, and there- fore should by all means be fully peopled as early as possible : — That there exists no danger of their defection from British allegiance so long as they continue to enjoy their present advantages ; espe- cially if these were duly extended according to the plan here laid down: — That emigration, therefore, ought to be encouraged, on a broad and magnifi- cent scale, suited to the power and the dangers of the nation: — That the West Indies would be- come more beneficial and populous under wise re- gulations ; and that, in some plans for their im- provement, the colonies must unite with the Bri- tish government: — That the cultivation and settle- ment of Trinidad, would be productive of impor- tant advantages to the other islands, and through 215 them also benefit the mother country: — And lastly, that the treaty of Ghent is a most unwise and im- politic measure, calculated to deprive Great Bri- tain of the immense advantages which her great wealth and power have given her over the United States ; inspiring the latter with a vain opinion of their importance, thus feeding their national pride, and encouraging their disposition to quarrel and to declare war, which they most probably will again do, as soon as the state of public affairs in Europe shall furnish them with the hope of suc- ceeding against Great Britain. * The British public is therefore most seriously requested to consider these things calmly ; and to divest themselves of those fatal partialities which fettered the arms and councils of the nation throughout the late war ; and which produced the most baneful consequences in the treaty of peace. If there ever existed a time that called for unusual vigour, jealous scrutiny, vigilance, and caution in our national affairs, that period is now arrived. In consequence of the ratification of peace, the secret * The battle of Waterloo has wofiiUy disappointed their expeo- tations in this respect. 216 operations of emissaries will soon commence. The rival is about to adopt her old system of under- mining the best interests of the country under the specious garb of amity. The tocsin of alarm must therefore be rung out, and seasonable anti- dotes provided for the poison ; true patriots must see the necessity of ceasing to regard Americans as part of the British family : they must in future be regarded in the same light as Frenchmen, or Spaniards, that is, as enemies by birth and educa- tion ; determined rivals, possessing many qualities that make them dangerous ; and now that the ef- fects of peace appear in a renewal of the accustom- ed intercourse between the two nations, let there be an end of that fraternization and ingenuous frankness which on many occasions laid this coun- try open to the machinations of her foes. Let it be repeated, even though the sound should prove ungrateful — let the voice of truth be heard, which proclaims, “ that Britain never had an enemy so much to be dreaded, as the United States .” Never was there a foe, until now, that possessed her language, that master-key to her councils: never could a foreigner, until now, introduce himself, unnoticed, into a British Parliament, Army, Navy, or Manufactory, to sound her policy, learn the 217 arts of war and peace, to employ these acquisi- tions against the source whence they were derived. Experience has proved that these are not mere chimeras: the American naval officers studied in a British school, and have proved themselves sufficiently apt scholars to chastise their masters. They have even given rise to hopes of being able idtimately to destroy our naval power ! The progress of American manufacture evinces the same source of education. While the British na- tion has tamely surrendered to the enemy all the advantages that could be desired by such a char- acter, one party thought it cruel to hurt the poor inoffensive Americans; another affected to de- spise and underrate the “ contemptible Yankies.” A wish to bring about a reconciliation, induced Great Britain to despatch an Admiral with a large fleet, as a negotiator: accordingly he wasted that time in negotiation which he ought to have employed in bombarding New York, or Boston, thereby exciting only derision, and bringing contempt on our naval power; while the enemy used the opportunity to strengthen her line of coast, eventually causing the disasters which occurred at New Orleans, Boston, and other places. Vigorous warfare, unchecked f f 218 and unqualified with clemency and forbearance, can alone ensure success to Britain in any future contest. And must she, who has ever proved victorious over other powers, and holds such a commanding rank in the scale of nations, inglori- ously lay her trophies at the feet of America? Can it be, that Britons have been beaten on the ocean, and not burn with shame? or an army of veterans, who fought and conquered under Wel- lington, be swept away like sparrows, without awakening the nation to a true knowledge of the enemy?* No! Britain is still conscious of her prowess, and ought to blame her own wrong opinions, and tardy measures, for all her disasters. She cannot feel a dread of the superior bravery of her foe, while she knows that the enemy employs her own unnatural sons against her; and “ When Greek meets Greek, then comes the tug of war.” Aware of this in future wars, (for wars will come) she must pour all her energies at once into the * The manner in which Americans are accustomed to fowling in the woods, and bush fighting, gave their riflemen an immense advan- tage over our better disciplined but less subtle soldiers. They lay among the trees and hedge rows, and dealt destruction around them., without our men being able to bring down a single individual. 3 contest, and prove that though she may not be able to conquer, and hold possession of the States, she can, beyond a doubt, make terrible inroads, destroy the seaports, and lay the country waste. Excess of clemency is often cruelty, and will most emphatically prove so in wars with America ; while one severe castigation would have repressed the Mania for a century. Britain is victorious over the nations of Europe, because she knows them, and no fond regard for a race of descend- ants checks her military operations : she enters on a war with confirmed hostility ; no temporiz- ing conciliatory measures are employed; she fights and conquers. Far from the writer be any wish to inflame the British nation, and goad it on to war. Peace is concluded, and, let the disadvantages be what they may, good faith requires our adherence to it. But the true intent of this work is, to put the na- tion in a posture of defence in the event of ano- ther declaration of war by the United States, or to give the first blow when the conduct of the enemy may render it unavoidable. It is one thing to expose and condemn a rival ; another to urge acts of injustice. The measures here recommend- 220 ed are just, although severe. It is necessary to be explicit on this point, as the Author’s intentions may possibly be misconstrued into an attempt, in itself base and cruel, and which he abhors and disclaims. It is his sincere desire to see British prosperity perpetuated; and a full conviction of the national danger has alone called forth this work. His great aim is, that it may lead to a re- novation of its ardour, in the various pursuits by which the nation has reached its present summit of wealth and power. So far from losing sight of the dangers of a na- val power seated on the opposite shores of the Atlantic, this country should be always prepar- ed, as it is in her distant provinces and islands alone that she is vulnerable. Jerome Buonapar- te’s fleet had levied contributions on several West India Islands, before intelligence could be re- ceived in Britain; and nothing could prevent an American squadron from committing similar de- predations, if they were ever suffered to declare war in the absence of a British force: and parti- cularly, were the vessels of war of the United States all collected together, they would then form a powerful force, competent to an attack on 221 any island, even though standing most prepared; much more so if British vigilance be relaxed. The insolent temerity and daring enterprise, even of American privateers must not be overlooked, since it may serve as a proof of the ability of an American navy to inflict a severe wound on the British empire. It is a fact, alas too true, that the Scourge, and several other privateers, actually chose the Irish Channel, as a cruising station, and remained there for a considerable time, to the great annoyance of the trade to Greenock and Liverpool; and one cruising off the Holmes, in the Bristol Channel, took a merchant ship of Bris- tol, released the prisoners, and sent them on shore with an American newspaper, and the Captain’s compliments to an individual in the city! Ano- ther attacked a transport, close in with Sambro’ lighthouse, at the mouth of Halifax harbour ; but being beaten off after a gallant resistance, was chased for upwards of forty-eight hours by the Nymphe frigate, carrying royals and sky-scra- pers, with lower, top-mast, top-gallant, and royal studding sails ; the privateer all the time being under easy sail, and sometimes even with reefed top-sails, keeping exactly out of the range of the frigate’s shot, but capable of running her hull down* in a short time. The natural infe- rence to be drawn from the above facts is, that unceasing vigilance must be exercised, since the United States’ fleet is really capable of striking some alarming blow ; and the daring exploits of her sailors (no matter whether native Americans or British,) have been such as to prove that they will readily attempt any enterprise however hazardous. In future, French and American politics must be regarded as inseparable; the latter, however they may affect neutrality, will ever incline to the French side. In the event of a French fleet being at sea, should the British pursuing squadron fall in with an American just parted from them, the latter will most assuredly mislead the British commander respecting the course which the ene- my are steering. No sooner was the Guerriere taken, than a messenger was despatched to France, to borrow ships of Buonaparte. These his pride did not suffer him to lend; because that would have extorted a virtual confession, that the supe- riority of the American sailors over his own made it eligible to surrender to them the management * A term applied to a ship, when she is at such a distance that only her masts and sails are to be seen. 223 of his navy. And as it cannot be believed, that the moderation lately affected by Buonaparte was sincere, so neither can the amicable professions of his satellites in America be implicitly relied on. Plans of universal dominion engrossed the mind of the French ruler: plans for the reduction of the whole continent of America, together with the West India islands occupy the thoughts of his humble imitators, and it may very soon ap- pear that the councils of both are united. Where then is the security or repose which this country has to expect? Her severe destiny either entails upon her war, or consigns her to a peace equally disastrous: and nothing within the range of human events can save the British nation from the ruin of her trade, manufactures, and navy, but a proper application of her resources to the enlargement of her colonies. It there- fore behoves the nation at large, and opulent in- dividuals in particular, to make exertions suited to the exigences of the times; and as money cannot be better applied, the man who, by appli- cation of his capital, clears and plants an exten- sive district, must be regarded as a national bene- factor. 224 The Author is well persuaded, that the public has not hitherto seen this subject in a right point of view. Far less importance is attached thereto than it deserves; and many may be disposed to deny, that it is so intimately connected with the interests of the country as is here asserted. But should any individuals doubt the advantages of this system, and yet admit the probability of the continued march of the United States towards successful competition in arts and arms, let him reflect on the alternative which this country must then adopt. What must be the fate of the mer- chants, manufacturers, mechanics, all in short but the land holders? For unless previous care is taken by Bx-itain to guard against the evil, by widening her foreign possessions, and providing a l-esource for her subjects, will not all the persons thus thrown out of employ flock to the States, and thereby increase the disaster? while even British capitalists, finding affairs on the decline at home, may communicate their strength, by re- sorting to a country which promises them scope for speculation. Can the landed interest object to colonization, when they reflect on the reduced value of their 225 estates, which would be necessarily consequent on a decline of the empire? On the contrary, they ought to embark extensively in the measure, by the formation of societies, or otherwise, for the purpose of sending settlers abroad ; and no fear of draining the country should be apprehended, for two hundred thousand souls might emigrate without inconvenience. The idle, dissipated, or dishonest, might be sent to New Holland; the more respectable should be planted in Trinidad, or the North American provinces. And what would Great Britain lose by the removal of all her sturdy-beggars, ballad-singers, mountebanks, pick-pockets, prostitutes, &c. or rather how great would be her gain ? These people may frequently yield to fair representations of the advantages of emigration, and not only emigrate but reform, and become useful members of society. A very slight acquaintance with human motives will con- vince us, that despair of ever attaining opulence often produces in the poor habits of indolence which generate dishonesty ; and that those who have been long abandoned to evil courses may rouse at the prospect of interest, and shake them off altogether. But in planting a colony of these wretched characters, care must be taken to select G rr *r> C 2 C 26 a spot distant from any town, where spirits might be easily procured ; because the more remote and wild the settlement, the greater the prospect of ultimate success. And considered in one point of view, a colony of such loose persons, who had never applied themselves to any manufacturing or mechanical occupation, would be of more ser- vice to the mother country than one composed of industrious characters ; since the former being unable to provide apparel, &c. would be better customers to the merchant than the latter, whose women could spin and manufacture cloths at home. » Colonization woidd open a fair prospect for younger brothers of good families to establish large estates for themselves ; and gentlemen of small property would do well to remember, that their opportunities of getting money would be greater, and their expenses less than in Britain. A moderately opulent farmer might live in the provinces in great respectability and ease. The young and gay may possibly object to alienate themselves from the luxurious pleasures of the mother country ; but men of family would not al- i 227 low such trifles to divert the attention; for, if there exists not that variety of enjoyment, there are am- ple means to sweeten life even in the depth of win- ter, many recreations being peculiar to the snowy regions, of which we in Britain know nothing. Instead then of giving opportunity to an impla- cable, indefatigable, and dangerous rival to tempt the people of Britain to settle within its territories, let the utmost vigilance and care be exercised, both by Government and individuals, to direct emigration wholly to the British provinces. Thus will the superb plans of the “ Rising Empire’’ be checked, and the greedy eyes of Congress may then survey in vain those immense regions destined to be peopled by Europeans; and it will soon be proved that the increase of population and wealth in the despised colonies of a monarchy, may equal, if not far exceed, that in a republic constituted upon the federal plan of the United States. If a general sentiment prevail in favour of America, and Britons can seriously think that she owes her success to superior courage or talents, or to a destiny more brilliant than their own, they 228 may well be dispirited, and give up the contest : they may contemplate without emotion the ruins of their vast structure of national magnificence and glory, hurled from its foundations, by the unceas- ing and mighty efforts of a wily and too much despised antagonist. But, if there remain one spark of that heroic spirit which once animated their forefathers j if the “ Amor Patriae” be not obliterated ; let con- scious superiority, let even a sense of shame im- periously urge them to their duty, and obliterate the foul stain that has been suffered to tarnish the national reputation. Thus has an obscure individual presumed to lay before the public a work intended to unveil the nature of the American competition, and dis- play to Britain the present alarming state of her commercial affairs. If it produce the good effects which the Author intended, he will indeed feel himself most amply rewarded. He is entirely un- solicitous of personal applause, and not less regard- less of censure. He has no views of personal ag- grandisement from the system he recommends. I 229 and bears no animosity to any individual Ameri- can, but be has written from personal knowledge and the most confirmed convictions, and as this is his first Political Essay, so, in all probability, it will be his last. POSTSCRIPT Since the above was written and committed to press, a publication has appeared, said to be sanctioned by the American government, entitled “ An Exposition of the Causes and Character of the late War with Great Bri- tain.” This work is entirely political, and does not there- fore come immediately under our consideration; but as the spirit in which it is written is so congenial to what we have often had occasion to allude to as truly American, and as it must clearly evince to the British dominions the invete- rate animosity of the American government to this country, we deem it necessary to make a few observations upon it. This extraordinary production views every movement of the British government with an averted look and a jaun- diced eye, and distorts every event which it narrates. The authors are not satisfied with adorning America with every amiable virtue which can adorn a nation, such as good faith, the purest and most honourable intentions, patience under the most unprovoked and accumulated ag- gressions, a sincere respect for the rights of all nations, a 23 2 fervent love of peace, and a steady prosecution of every honourable means to preserve and secure it ; but, as if A- merica could not be every thing that is great and good while Great Britain enjoyed any fragment of character as a nation, they, with fervent zeal and great liberality, load Great Britain with every crime which a nation can commit: — she is overbearing and tyrannical ; unfaithful to her en- gagements ; professes the purest motives and a sincere de- sire for peace, while she is exerting all her energies to ren- der peace unattainable to any nation which will not sub- mit to her commercial sway. But while the present generation of men exists, the disin- terested exertions of Great Britain in behalf of oppressed nations will not be forgot ; and the future historian will mark with peculiar delight the gigantic efforts which she has made in behalf of general liberty , when all the nations of Europe were prostrate or paralyzed before the most desolating tyranny that the world ever beheld, sustained and rendered nearly triumphant by the greatest abilities ever concentrated in one individual. And yet Great Bri- tain, single-handed, has withstood this desolating scourge; and at last rallied around her all the nations of Europe, “ To fight and to conquer, again and again,” not for the purposes of selfish aggrandizement, but to as- sert and defend the rights of outraged humanity: while America, regardless of her own liberty, and of the liberty of all other nations ; inflated with prosperity, and ambitious 233 of monopolising the commerce of the world, greedily seized the opportunity when hope in Europe was at the lowest ebb — when Great Britain had strained every nerve and every sinew of her power to aid Russia in her last convulsive effort for national existence — when the French armies, headed by Napoleon in person, were accumulated in overwhelming force on the frontiers of Russia, ready to move forward in the cause of despotism and ambition, even in Britain, hope was alloyed with painful apprehension : we waited in suspense, with a humble reliance on the assistance of Divine Providence, and we waited notin vain: — this was the crisis, earnestly prayed for — anxiously w T atched for, and eagerly hailed by the soi-disant independent Americans, to unite with the enemy of the human race, in sinking to the bottom the last buoy of hope which, under Providence, despairing Liberty had to look to. But Heaven inspired the Russians with a self-devoted patriotism, which led them to lay their ancient capital in ashes, that it might not \ harbour such a fiend within its bosom : this was an im- mense offering sacrificed on the shrine of Freedom, and it accomplished the desired purpose. Had Buonaparte suc- ceeded in his enterprise as he fondly anticipated, and as the government of America eagerly wished, Britain, single- handed, would have had to struggle for her existence against the united energies of the whole world. But, America alas! too soon attempted to imitate the ass in the fable : the lion has revived, and will not submit to an insult from her base-born heel. H h 234 These are facts which even American sophistry will in vain attempt to varnish over; and so long as they appear in tho faithful page of history, so long will America’s con- temptible cant about liberty and independence, be contrast- ed with her strenuous, though fruitless efforts to expunge the very name of liberty from the earth ; nor can he ever be esteemed attached to genuine liberty, who can refrain from branding America as the only willing ally, of the ruth- less tyrant of the earth. And when Great Britain had by her persevering efforts rescued Europe from slavery, and ob- tained respite from war ; had she been characterized by that spirit of tyranny which this work calumniously charges her with, she might have put forth her strength, and swept away the pretence of the United States to a rank among nations ; but she has clearly exhibited her moderation and her love of peace, by consulting their interests more than her own, in the peace which has been concluded. But who would characterize the authors of such a pro- duction as “ The Lovers of Peace ?” Does the love of peace identify with an earnest and openly manifested desire to stir up the evil passions— to reproach our neighbours w ith every crime which a fervid imagination can conceive, or the energies of language express? It is questionable if the worst of governments ever sanctioned with their authority a publication teeming with such unjust aspersions ; imputa- tions of such criminal intentions ; and insinuations still more gross than the crimes libelled ; and all this under the sem- blance of justice — of moderation — of the love of peace, and forsooth, of the patient suffering of injuries. 1 235 ) Those who know the spirit and character of American politicians will not wonder at this exposition, and could not expect any thing else than the spirit which it breathes ; but even they, can scarcely fail to be surprised that a pamph- let abounding with such unjust and injurious charges should be published by any government, professing at least to be at peace with the one it calumniates. This fact will, it is conceived, incontrovcrtibly prove that the United States of America are the avowed Enemies of Great Bri- tain, in Peace as well as in War. NOTE A. Referred to in Page 1 62. When this part of the work was written, no account had been made public of the provisions of the treaty relative to Berbice, Surinam, and Demerara. We have now the satis- faction to state that Surinam alone ha9 been restored to the , Dutch. Berbice, Essequibo, and Demerara, are ceded to Great Britain in perpetuity, under the condition that the Dutch are permitted to supply their own estates, in these settlements, with what they may require, and to convey di- rectly to Holland the produce of their own estates only, lia- ble to the same government-duties which are paid by our own countrymen in the same settlements. 236 AMERICAN PROJECTS. [The following remarks, founded on recent occurrences, are taken from a respectable Newspaper dated November 1815, and are so well suited to eluci- date the subject of this publication, as to be thought worthy of a place in this work.] “The intelligence from America is of very considerable importance, inasmuch as it seems to afford us some insight into the views and intentions of the Americans. We beg the public attention to it. In the first place, the Americans have ordered a large fort to be built without loss of time near Detroit, north-west of Lake Erie, on the banks of Lake St. Clair, which connects Lake Erie with Lake Hu- ron. The spot chosen is at the Spring Wells, three miles below Detroit, “ a position which completely commands all the adjacent country.” In addition to this, the governor of New York has received official information of its being the intention of government to place the American fleet upon Lake Erie in an immediate state of readiness for service. For this purpose, a part of the armed American vessels which were ordered to be scuttled and sunk last spring, are to be raised and refitted. Similar exertions are to be made on Lake Huron; and in addition to this, we are already in possession of the copy of a treaty between the American government and the Indians of the Senecca nation, for the purchase from the latter of the islands on the Niagara River. They are small, but one of them, Navy Island, is supposed to be within the boundary of Upper Canada, within our territories. As the objects purchased were so small, the transaction did not at first excite much attention in this 237 country; but, coupled with the intelligence which arrived yesterday, it assumes an appearance of much more impor- tance. It seems to give the Americans the command of the Niagara lliver, and of the communication between Lakes Ontario and Erie, while the fort near Detroit will ensure them the command of the communication between Lake Erie and Lake Huron. The Americans, in the account from New York which we inserted yesterday, affect to state that all these measures and preparations have been the con- sequence of our preparations. They assert that “the ac- tivity of the British in building and procuring by purchase a considerable fleet, has no doubt excited our government to see the necessity of still keeping the superiority on the Lakes. The British are also very busily engaged in building a fleet on Lake Huron; and no doubt on all the Lakes they will, in time of peace, when they think we are asleep, make every exertion to have the ascendency Suppose the above statement to be correct, does not every one see that our pre- parations can only have defensive objects in view? That if we keep a naval force on the Lakes, it can only be for the purpose of securing us from attack, not of enabling us to make an attack? We have no hostile designs from Canada against the United States. But the case is very different with the Americans. If it be true, as is said in the New York account, that “ the American government sees the necessity of still keeping the superiority on the Lakes, can it be said that that necessity for the superiority arises from any apprehension they feel ot an invasion from us i It cer- tainly cannot. But- it is not, as we have already shown, to 238 naval preparations that they are confining themselves ,* they are making preparations by land, building forts, &c. Are they doing this because we have set them the example? They do not set up any such defence, and therefore we cannot, for our own parts, consider this conduct of Ameri- ca (supposing the New York account to be correct) to be such as we should have expected from a nation anxious to culti- vate the relations of peace in the real spirit of peace. We shall be glad, however, to find we are mistaken. n FINIS. Andrew & James Duncan, Printers, Glasgow. ^ til \hm{j\r